While commending Disney for the strong Asian cast, a BellaOnline review noted that it is rare to see a female martial arts star with a black belt. Song did most of her own stunt work for the film, with guidance from Koichi Sakamoto, executive producer for the "Power Rangers" series. Song was inspired to endure the stunt training by the way her mother dealt with breast cancer in 2005. Disney Channel executive vice president Gary Marsh called the film ""Buffy the Vampire Slayer" meets "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon"" and said of Song: "She's incredibly talented, she's smart. She adds diversity to our network, and she's a real kid."