"THE KARATE KID" 4****STARS

 I purposely chose not to watch the original "Karate Kid"movies again before I saw the remake because I wanted to see the new version with fresh eyes and I was pleasantly surprised. This is a brilliant coming of age story that teaches the lesson: you don't have to be a bully to prove you"re strong or courageous. One big difference the lead character is not a teenager he's much younger than in the original version. You don't miss it thanks to the acting chops of Jaden Smith who plays 12 year old Dre Parker. 

 There's no doubt about it the camera loves this new child star who's a natural. Smith portrays his character Dre Parker with heart, wisdom, and courage sprinkled with the angst and confusion of a young boy trying to find his way in a strange world. Dre (Smith) and his mother Sherry (Taraji Henson) Parker are forced to leave Detroit and move to China where she's landed a new job. It's an adjustment for Dre (Smith) who's homesick and trying to fit in. 

Things pick up up the bright side when he meets and falls for a classmate Mei Ying (Wenwen Han). He's also excited after seeing a Kung Fu class where he hopes he can learn from the masters. There's one problem the class bully Cheng (Zhenwei Wang) sees the relationship that's developing between the two classmates, doesn't like it and decides to put a stop to it by fighting Dre (Smith) with his exceptional Kung Fu skills. 

Dre (Smith) is no match for Cheng (Wang) and his crew who are relentless with some pretty rough fighting scenes. Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) the maintenance man steps in and saves Dre (Smith) from being brutally beaten by Cheng(Wang) and his friends. When Dre (Smith) sees Mr. Han (Chang) in action he learns that he too is a Kung Fu Master and asks him to teach him the art. Mr. Han (Chang) must train Dre (Smith) to go up against his rival Cheng(Wang) at his Kung Fu class's upcoming championship tournament. It's the only way to stop the bullies from resuming their attacks on Dre (Smith).

There's also a sidebar story about this young boy who learns that the art of Kung Fu should be used to help people not to hurt people. Jaden Smith is pushed to the limit in his first lead role and he delivers! The Smith acting dynasty continues, not to mention the fact that Will and Jada Pinkett Smith are the films Executive Producers. "The Karate Kid" also has some beautiful scenes in areas of China that you rarely get to see. This is an inspiring family film! You will be moved in ways you can't imagine!


PG
Action/Violence
4***Stars