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The Karate Kid: ** ½ 

Release Date: 1984
MPAA Rating: PG
Director: John G. Avildsen
Simple and straightforward story of unlikely friendship.  Slightly overlong, but was nevertheless popular enough to spawn a whole new movie franchise.

The Karate Kid: ** ½ 

Release Date: 2010
MPAA Rating: PG
Director: Harold Zwart
Updated remake features a suitable Jackie Chan, and is substantially overlong though very entertaining.  Martial art featured is kung fu, not karate, ironically.  

The Karate Kid Part II: **

Release Date: 1986
MPAA Rating: PG
Director: John G. Avildsen
Despite a change to exotic locales, this sequel grinds up under a cliched plot and uninteresting characters.  Rehashes a few elements from the first film.

The Karate Kid Part III: * ½ 

Release Date: 1989
MPAA Rating: PG
Director: John G. Avildsen
Nothing can be done to save this motion picture.  Uninteresting and unengaging, and reuses the tired concept from the first two pics. Any sense of value in it is totally lost.

King Kong: *** ½ 

Release Date: 2005
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Peter Jackson
Jackson's cinematic vision of the original classic is involving, funny and emotionally deep.  Very entertaining with stunning special effects; this is a true cinematic experience despite it's three-hour length that may be a hinderence to some.  Impressive remake of the 1933 classic.

The King's Speech: ***

Release Date: 2010
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Tom Hooper
Elaborate set pieces and outstanding acting accomplish the feel for 1940's England.  Ultimately more inspiring then incredible, can get drawn out and not much of a memorable cinematic experience.  Makes great use out of production value, however.

Knowing: ** ½ 

Release Date: 2009
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Alex Proyas
First two thirds of the film deliver chills, but the entire movie is ruined by the anticlimatic and absurd last act.  Offers sublime, disaster entertianment and convincing acting; again last act of the film fails miserably.