Karate Kid Movie Review
Dre Parker played by Jaden Smith is a 12 year old who finds himself in Beijing China when his mother is suddenly transferred from Detroit. The first day in a strange city he is confronted by bullies who, by using kung fu, beat him up. The bullying continues at school. While in a fight, the handyman of his apartment building, Mr. Han appears in the guise of Jackie Chan who promptly subdues the six bullies. Dre pleads with Mr. Han to teach him Kung Fu. The story climaxes at a match where as you suspect, Dre wins over the bullies and becomes a hero. Nothing new here as it is a rehash of the film which first appeared in 1984 with Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita.
Jaden Smith, the child of Will Smith and Jada Pinket Smith is a poised young man with a maturity beyond his years. This is his first starring role and he shows that he can evolve to superstar status like his father. Such is a testament to having good role models and good genes. Jackie Chan gets second billing and is believable as the quiet Mr. Han. Jackie Chan did his own stunts although Jaden had a stand in. I thoroughly enjoyed the film and highly recommend it. Check out the original film as it stands up well over time. This film is ideal for children and adults. It displays good values and the power of focused thinking.
Splice Movie Review
Adrien Brody and Sarah Palley play two scientists working with gene splicing. They hope the resulting efforts will provide a way to circumvent organ transplants. They create a couple of creatures which look like large grubs. The second effort, they splice some human DNA and create a humanoid creature. The creature looked like a person but with a long tail with a claw and strange looking eyes. They keep the results to themselves because they were forbidden by their supervisor to engage in such activity. Not having children they come to think of this creature as parents.
The film is dark and I found depressing. Things get dicey and the film morphs from sci fi to a horror film. If you are a sci fi lover you may enjoy it. There is one graphic nude erotic scene. Definitely not for young children.
