Directed by Harald Zwart
With Jackie Chan, Jaden Smith, Taraji P. Henson
Rated PG, 130 minutes
In English and Mandarin with English subtitles
This updated version of the 1984 classic sees Jaden Smith (Dre Parker) and Jackie Chan (Mr. Han) take their turns in the Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi roles, respectively; however, the names, styles, storyline, and setting are all slightly shifted. California's Valley is swapped out for China, with the film being one of Hollywood's first major motion pictures to shoot extensively in Beijing. Also, Dre learns kung fu instead of karate. Still, the narrative beats remain the same as the fish-out-of-water kid forms an unlikely friendship with an older gentleman who teaches him self-defense and creates a sense of home while doing so.