The Karate Kid (2010)

Released internationally on some bootleg copies, and more appropriately, as The Kung Fu Kid, this remake of the classic 1984 movie of the same name does not measure up. There are some very respectful nods to the original. There is some good acting. The photography is very nice. But it does not add up to the much-loved original.

Jackie Chan is very good as the teacher. Jaden Smith, as the kid, is a little stiff with his lines at times and a little too contrived at other times. Taraji Penda Henson fills her role well as the single mom who has to move to China from Detroit to start over again.

There plenty of similarities as there should be, but I did not feel the warmth and humor of the first effort.

That said, I think it's okay to spend time with kids watching this movie. They may relate to the guy who not only is the new kid at school but all the new kid in-country.

Watch this with any kids in your reach between the ages of 10 and 15.