Solid partnership from leads in 'The Karate Kid'

Director: Harald Zwart

Cast: Jackie Chan, Jaden Smith, Taraji P. Henson, Wenwen Han, Zhemi Wang

Cert: 12

The 1980s seem to be getting a revival for this sees a return of the stories from back then, and it’s not at all bad.

Actually it’s more than not bad since Chan and young Smith, son of Will, form a solid partnership that carries a plot that fans of the original will happily live with: single mum (Henson) has to move with young son Dre (Smith) to China for work.

There he falls for class lovely Mei Ying (Han) but into the sights of school bully, Cheng (Wang).

Young Dre turns to kung fu master (Chan) for help, and learns a great deal about himself.

Director Zwart keeps a faithful grip on the story – doing a service to China tourism industry with some great scenic shots – and Chan does well with a move away from his more recent comedy roles.

Star Rating: 4/5