MOVIES: "The Karate Kid" Grosses P59.67-M in 4 Days, Opens at No. 1

MANILA, June 15 – Filipino audiences have found a new screen idol in child actor Jaden Smith as his movie, Columbia Pictures’ “The Karate Kid” becomes the week’s undisputed box-office champion, grossing a smash P59.67-million in four days (June 11 to 14), and opening at No. 1 nationwide. This was announced today by Victor R. Cabrera, managing director of local distributor, Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc.

The film has been playing to capacity crowds in cinemas across the country, warmly received by moviegoers unanimously charmed by the new, young action star.

Also starring the legendary Jackie Chan, “The Karate Kid” easily surpassed the openings of the Asian superstar’s past blockbusters, including “Rush Hour,” “Shanghai Knights,” “Shanghai Noon” and “Forbidden Kingdom.” (read more below)

The family-friendly movie also posted Columbia Pictures’ biggest opening for the year to-date.

A remake of the 1984 film starring Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita, “Karate Kid” bested “The A-Team,” itself a re-imagining of the popular ‘90s TV series. The latter grossed P13.31-million from June 10 to 13 (four days), while “Karate” earned P44.42-million from June 11 to 13 (three days).

The 20 biggest-grossing cinemas for “The Karate Kid” (for the June 11-13 frame only) are SM North EDSA (P3.31-M), SM Mall of Asia (P3.23-M), SM Megamall (P2.47-M), SM Cebu (P1.90-M), Trinoma (P1.82-M), Gateway (P1.68-M), Festival (P1.52-M), Glorietta (P1.32-M), Robinsons Galleria (P1.30-M) and Alabang Town Center (P1.21-M).

Rounding out the list are Ayala Cebu (P1.10-M), Eastwood (P1.09-M), Power Plant (P1.07-M), SM Fairview (P1.06-M), Robinsons Ermita (P1.04-M), SM San Lazaro (P1.03-M), SM Marikina (P937,309), Sta. Lucia East (P931,982), SM Manila (P924,432) and Shangri-la (P923,384).

In “The Karate Kid,” 12-year-old Dre Parker (Smith) could've been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother's latest career move has taken them to China. Dre makes an enemy of the class bully, and kung fu prodigy, Cheng. In the land of kung fu, Dre knows only a little karate, and Cheng puts "the karate kid" on the floor with ease.

With no friends in a strange land, Dre has nowhere to turn but maintenance man Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), who is secretly a kung fu master. As Han teaches Dre that kung fu is not about punches and skill, but maturity and calm, Dre realizes that facing down the bullies will be the adventure of a lifetime.

Still showing across the Philippines, “The Karate Kid” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.sonypictures.com.ph to see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.