A Fast-Moving, Fun-Filled "Rush Hour" by Homer Yen (c) 1998
The words "fun" and "Fall" don't usually go together. We're done with the mega-productions of the summer and we are approaching the time period that is heavy on movies that are vying for Oscar's attention. It gets harder to find a true piece of popcorn fare that is consistently pleasing and exciting to watch. But "Rush Hour" manages to be just that. Although familiar in formula, this action-comedy is enormously entertaining.
When the daughter of a wealthy Chinese consulate is kidnapped by a Chinese crime organization, the FBI quickly take on the case. The FBI agents, however, don't want help from other people whom they think will interfere with the successful return of the consul's daughter. They certainly don't want help from a foreign detective (Jackie Chan) who the consul has personally requested. And, they don't want help from the local police. So, to keep them out of the way, they tell the assigned police officer (Chris Tucker) to babysit the arriving Chinese detective and to stay out of sight until the case is solved.
When they first meet, it looks like a match made in Hell. Both like to work alone, and hate having a partner. While driving around, Chan wants to listen to the Beach Boys over the radio while Tucker insists on listening to Hip-Hop. But despite these and other oddball differences (watch Tucker walk into a pool hall whose clientele are tough-looking, black men and greet them saying "what's up, my ni**er" and then see what happens when Chan does the same thing!), they both have one thing in common. They both want to save the consul's feisty and precocious daughter. To do so, they need each other. Chan needs Tucker to show him around LA. Meanwhile, by taking Chan around, this will earn Tucker brownie points with his boss. During their investigation, they both get to showcase their unique skills. Tucker uses his soprano-ish, mile-a-minute mouth to talk his way in and out of locations. And when trouble sparks, Chan steps up and we are treated to some terrifically choreographed fight scenes featuring the Asian's gravity-defying martial arts.
Rush Hour does two things very well. First, it let's Tucker and Chan showcase what they do best. Tucker is genuinely funny especially when he gets to make fun of his new partner. Meanwhile, there's no denying Chan's affability. He's sweet, innocent, and packs a mean chop. Secondly, the film has some strong performances from its supporting players that elevates the suspense level, which is something that's hard to do in a buddy cop comedy. The Fall movie season certainly gets off to a funny start. This film offers a crowd-pleasing mix of comedy and action that makes "Rush Hour" anything but slow.
Grade: B
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