Kung Fu Kid Wonder

The Verdict:

GO SEE!

REVIEW:

Jaden Smith (Pursuit of Happyness, The Day the Earth Stood Still) is the next big "it" kid. His outstanding performance in The Karate Kid remake (produced by his parents megastar Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith) is the reason.

Smith's charismatic personality shines all the way through in Karate Kid, making the film a delight watching him.

Smith plays 12 year old Dre Parker who stubbornly moves to China with his mother (the sassy Taraji P. Henson, Talk to Me, Baby Boy) due to a job transfer and to start over after the death of her husband. Dre doesn't fit in of course and is pestered and beat up by a group of bullies at school who don't think he belongs there. Dre befriends one friend, a girl, Mei Young, whose friendship and budding romance, infuriates the bullies even more.

Young Smith says he did all of his stunts in the martial arts movie, in which he showcases amazing, mind-blowing kung fu moves.

Martial arts master Jackie Chan (Rush Hour series, The Forbidden Kingdom) stars as Smith's trainer who prepares him for a kung fu tournament where Dre must prove himself to the gang of unrelenting bullies.

Karate Kid has the feel of a family movie but all ages will surely enjoy. It is a feel good, stand up and cheer film. And trust me, you will stand up and cheer for Dre.

Smith has proved himself to be a big star in the making. Karate Kid is only the beginning.

~Trailer:

http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1810127520/trailer

*Stars:
Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan, Taraji P. Henson

~Director:
Harald Zwart

~Music:
James Horner

~Rating:
PG

~How Long:
2 hrs. 6 mins.

~Opening:
6/11/2010