Kung Fu Panda

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: June 5, 2008 (Russia, South Korea, Ukraine) / June 6, 2008 (USA)

DVD Release Date: November 8, 2008

Plot 411: When the Valley of Peace is threatened, a master must select a kung fu master who can protect the special scroll from falling into evil hands.

Review: I had a great time watching this animated action comedy starring Jack Black as Po, a fat, uncoordinated panda who dreams of becoming a kung fu master. Po, the son of a noodle shop owner (James Hong), and doesn't have training in martial arts. But when a prophecy predicts that Tai Lung (Ian McShane) will come to their village in search of the Dragon Scroll, Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) must find someone worthy enough to protect it. Among the talented martial artists are Po's heros, the Furious Five - Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Monkey (Jackie Chan), Mantis (Seth Rogen), Viper (Lucy Liu) and Crane (David Cross). The reason I enjoyed this movie is because it engaged the entire audience. Mimicking live action kung fu movies out of China or Hong Kong, this plot is driven by Po's transformation from a nobody to a somebody. His journey is filled with ups and downs, and it isn't till he finds it within himself to be the best that others begin to respect him. Both adults and children can understand the desire to be more than one appears. Rarely do we have the chance to prove ourselves like Po does, and the audience is able to accompany him on his hero's journey.

Watch It: For a fun, action-packed movie for the entire family.

Skip It: And you miss a movie that simply, yet effectively, promotes good moral themes for kids.

The Karate Kid

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: June 11, 2010

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: A kid from Detroit moves to Beijing and must adjust to a foreign culture and lifestyle.

Review: I think it's ridiculous that they keep the old movie title in this remake when the main character Dre (Jadan Smith) doesn't even learn karate. But whatever. When his mother (Taraji P. Henson) is transferred to Beijing for work, Dre must adjust to all things foreign. The language, culture and societal rules are all new to him. But, what crosses all barriers is bullying, which Dre experiences first hand. When some school bullies take him on six to one, Dre's building maintenance man Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) agrees to train him. Much like the relationship between teacher and student, Dre and Mr. Han grow to respect each other deeply. Despite hating the name, the movie was actually pretty good for what it was trying to do. I think it effectively portrayed good values for the kids and is a nice way to spend a couple hours (The movie's pretty long!). I think there were some mess ups in the continuity of some scenes and parts were pretty cheesy, but overall it wasn't as bad as I anticipated.

Watch It: If you've got kids because it's one of those movies where I think both parent and child will enjoy.

Skip It: If you're a die-hard fan of the original. I don't think Chan does the "Mr. Miyagi" role any justice.

Robin-B-Hood / Bo bui gai wak

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: September 28, 2006 (South Korea)

DVD Release Date: December 26, 2007 (USA)

Plot 411: Burglars fall upon hard times and resort to kidnapping a child only to fall in love with the baby and become better men.

Review: In this hilarious comedy, Jackie Chan plays Thongs, a gambling addict and part of a trio of burglars. His cohorts include Octopus (Louis Koo), a lady's man despite being married and expecting a child, and the Landlord (Michael Hui), the brains behind the operations. Thongs and Octopus are really good at what they do, but they have reservations when their recent job involves kidnapping the infant son of wealthy parents. When the Landlord is arrested, Thongs and Octopus must babysit the kid until they can hand him over to their contact. During this time, the two burglars grow attached to the baby. Their time spent with him changes them for life. It makes them reevaluate their motivations and aspirations. This is a typical Jackie Chan flick so expect good laughs and tight martial arts sequences. There were so many instances that made me wonder just how amazing the choreography and martial arts talent was. The situations that Thongs and Octopus found themselves in had me crying because I was laughing so hard.

Watch It: For a memorable nipple shot.

Skip It: Because said nipple shot could be damaging for life.