Luffs and I caught The Karate Kid last night!

Synopsis
12-year-old Dre Parker could've been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother's latest career move has landed him in China. Dre immediately falls for his classmate Mei Ying - and the feeling is mutual - but cultural differences make such a friendship impossible. Even worse, Dre's feelings make an enemy of the class bully, Cheng. In the land of kung fu, Dre knows only a little karate, and Cheng puts "the karate kid" on the floor with ease. With no friends in a strange land, Dre has nowhere to turn but maintenance man Mr. Han, who is secretly a master of kung fu. As Han teaches Dre that kung fu is not about punches and parries, but maturity and calm, Dre realizes that facing down the bullies will be the fight of his life.

This movie was not only really spectacular, but it followed the old storyline beautifully even though there were a few changes. Now I feel like watching the original movie all over again! It is true that some of us feel that we did not need a remake but this touching film stands on its own - It is one of those rare appeals-to-all-ages kind of movie!

I like the scenes with Taraji P. Henson (Mrs Parker) portraying her role as a single mother. She was helpless at times but she tried to be strong for her boy but yet she wasn't too sure how to make him feel right in a foreign land.

Seeing the emotions portrayed by Jaden Smith (starred as Dre Parker) - Hiding from bullies, getting his butt kicked for no reason, leaving his home, not having a dad, meeting a cute girl, and subsequently finding a friend / a father figure was the whole movie. Jaden showed an overpowering commitment in the way his small wiry body is sculpted with training, the way he executes his kung fu with efficient skills and the way he proves in every frame that he is a star!

Han Wen Wen (Mei Ying) is such a sweetheart - That is why I need to show 2 pictures of her! She was Jaden's young, violin-virtuoso love interest with a luminous smile and a lyrical laugh. I think Luffs secretly likes her too!

How can I miss out Jackie Chan?!! This show has definitely given him a more interesting and conflicted character to work with. It is strange at first to see the infinitely charming Jackie Chan (Mr Han) as a withdrawn, almost surly, old man but he gave the film the extra emotional power it needs to be a worthy tribute to its beloved predecessor.

Thumbs up for these actors / actresses and this is a must-watch movie because I totally enjoyed it!