I have to admit I was skeptical when I heard that they were making a new karate kid movie. I remember loving the old ones and had a hard time believing that a new movie was necessary. But luckily I was positively surprised. Starring Jaden Smith (Will Smith's son) and Jackie Chan, this family oriented martial arts film was a joy to watch. Director Harald Zwart has outdone himself this time. I haven't been to pleased with his previous work, but now he has really stepped up and made a great movie. The directing is great from the action packed chases and fight scenes to the drama filled moments. And surprisingly the movie has a lot of drama which really makes the movie multi layered. Jackie Chan is great as young Dre Parker's mentor and really shows a different side of himself from the usual humorous roles he plays. His role is filled with drama and sad moments and Chan handles them with ease! Jaden Smith also pulls of a decent role although I think he will get better with the few years.
The movie shows the viewer the different and exciting culture of China in a realistic way without overdoing anything. Even the Kung Fu scenes are done in moderation and not overdone. The final tournament is just as I would expect it being in real life. That said, I am no martial arts or cultural bible, so if I am way off my assumptions I apologize. Wenwen Han plays Dre's friend/love interest. It's her first role and she performs with charm and warmth, I look forward to see her in more movies. The Karate Kid is more of a remake than anything else and it does it's jobs well. There is no dull moments and the movie both entertains and tugs at your heart strings. 8/10