Rush Hour (1998) - Jackie Chan, and a bunch of people that aren't as cool as him
You have to give Jackie Chan some credit. He's absolutely determined to break into the American action-star market, but has he gone too far with "Rush Hour"?
Neither Inspector Lee (Chan) nor Detective Carter (Chris Tucker) are used to working with partners, and both have reputations for causing more trouble than they're worth at times. So when they're both assigned to work on the same case - the kidnapping of a Chinese consul's daughter - the FBI agent in charge (Tom Wilkinson) just tries to get them both out of the way. They keep getting in the way, of course, doing their best to solve the case on their own.
This new film divorces Chan from many of the elements that made him a minor celebrity in the States with a small but devoted following. Gone are the rest of the Hong Kong action stars who, like Chan, perform their own stunts; gone are the equally famous Chinese directors and their sometimes-bizarre camera styles.
More traditional, and therfore more predictable, American elements take their place. The humor is much more pedestrian, dominated by the inevitable "fish out of water" humor as the stereotypical uber-hip L.A. cop (Tucker) is forced to work with the quiet professional (Chan). The fights are more American, with far more gunplay than the typical Chan movie.
Tucker, best remembered for his role as the bizarre, cross-dressing reporter from "The Fifth Element," once again flexes his comedic muscles to the fullest. His snappy wit is a bit risque at times but keeps the movie rolling nicely along. This is contrasted with the more subtle, drier humor of Chan, and it makes for a brilliant combination. The two play off each other well, helping ensure you'll leave the theater with a smile.
You want action? "Rush Hour" has some of that, too. It's standard action-movie fare, nothing spectacular. In particular, Chan's incredible talent is underutilized here. (You want real action, go rent "Supercop.") But the stunts are all competently done (even if most of the cast, save Chan, called for stunt doubles).
"Rush Hour" is tongue-in-cheek, but so are most of Chan's movies. And his "straight man" to Tucker's more overt comedy only helps. Don't take it too seriously, and you'll have a great time at this movie.
...dave
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