As the remake's Mr. Miyagi substitute, Jackie Chan is solid as Mr. Han. Chan is a lovable presence in comedic roles, but in recent years has resorted too much to over the top mugging in projects far beneath him, such as The Spy Next Door. That being the case, it's nice to see him in a much more subdued and serious role here. Chan may not be the actor the late Pat Morita was (in a role that got him an Oscar nomination, no less), but he certainly gives one of his better performances in this film, including the key scene where a drunk Han reveals his tragic past to Dre.
As Dre, Smith -- son of the film's producers, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith and just 11 when the film was shot -- is a strong young actor who is clearly very comfortable in front of the camera. Smith is charming and likable, even though he and Chan are never able to quite find the natural chemistry Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita had in the original – an inspired and unique pairing that was so integral to making that film, which certainly was derivative in many ways, work so well.
review by ign