The Karate Kid (2010), features three outstanding characters; Jaden Smith as Dre, Jackie Chan as Dre's new maintenance man, Mr. Han, and the country and people of China.

This is the journey of a disconnected young man, Dre, who tries to fit into a new world. It doesn't start out well and after a rough beginning, he gets help from the reclusive maintenance man, Mr. Han. Dre and Mr. Han find each other at rough spots in their lives and begin to heal each other's wounds.

Jaden Smith is already a superb actor who turns 12 this year. He has portrayed a depth of styles in his acting that is fresh in a young actor. Jaden is far advanced in his medium for his age. The surprise acting of Jackie Chan is an emotional surprise. No one ever doubted that he could become the Kung-Fu master but where doubt expectations become shattered are with Chan's ability to raise his talent range from comedic, martial-arts action star to an actor of substance and emotion.

China is the backdrop that weaves throughout the film with breathtaking cultural architecture, society interaction and the emotion of a mythical world where possibilities are limitless.
The Karate Kid is such a gorgeous film, it should be a promotional film for visitors to China. The action in the film and the majesty of China blend together to create a tour of drama, history, family and honor.

A beautiful film, and not just the scenery. Well acted, the pacing of the story was perfect, comedy and sorrow, and of course the underdog versus the bully make the Karate Kid a film worth seeing again and recommending to all your friends.

Joey Cruz