"The Karate Kid" & "The Back-up Plan"

I'll start with the new Karate Kid with Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith even though I saw the other first.

This is such a good movie. Good for everyone from the youngest to the oldest. Jackie Chan has never done better acting in my opinion -he was amazing. Jaden Smith is just a chip off the ol' parental block. He looks so much like his dad and he does a great job. This is a talented young man who will be a super star one day, I have no doubt. The story is, as expected, a young kid being picked on finds a mentor who teaches him all the right things and then has to fight the bully who's being taught all the wrong thing. And you might be saying, 'but Clancy, if that's the case, then why do I need to see the movie?' and my response would be - because it's a good story, with great actors (Taraji P. Henson is really good too), amazing scenery (China - hello), great karate fighting and training action, and it makes you feel good because good triumphs over bad! Go see it.

The Back-up Plan stars Jennifer Lopez and Alex O'Loughlin. Hotties enough for all. And funny - I laughed a lot. Basically our girl is tired of waiting for Mr. Right to come along so she can have a baby, so she goes and gets inseminated and then meets Mr. Right. It's a rocky relationship, as can be expected due to her being pregnant and all, but while rocky for them, some funny stuff for us. I am not a huge fan of J-Lo, but I thought she did a really good job in this. Alex, oh Alex, he could just stand around shirtless and I'd probably pay to see it, but with that admission I would like to say he does a great job in this - he's not just a face (Ok - and a body), he's a good actor too. And perfect for a romantic lead. I really enjoyed this. So, don't snub it just cuz you have J-Lo issues people - seriously.