Directed by Brett Ratner
Expectations: Moderate.
One one hand, Rush Hour 2 is a perfect sequel to the original film. Everything that worked is kept for round two, and because it’s set in Hong Kong it’s instantly more interesting to look at than the first film (no offense, Los Angeles). It seems like the filmmakers felt that this was enough for a sequel, because in terms of story Rush Hour 2 is nothing more than an inverse of Rush Hour. They even do some of the same jokes with the opposite lead saying the lines. I can’t argue that it doesn’t work, because the overall level of entertainment is pretty high throughout the film, but it still seems kinda lazy. I mean, can you imagine if a Star Wars film just rehashed the original Star Wars and thought that would be enough to carry a sequel? 😛
LAPD cop James Carter (Chris Tucker) is on vacation in Hong Kong, visiting his friend and Hong Kong policeman Lee (Jackie Chan). Lee can’t seem to leave his work behind, and while Carter is lamenting this point to Lee (and the audience), Lee receives a call to question noted criminal and triad boss Ricky Tan (John Lone) about a deadly explosion at the American Consulate. And just like that our comedic buddy cops are back on the trail of justice.
Rush Hour 2 is fun and easy to watch, but there really isn’t a lot to talk about. It’s one of these movies you’ll either like or not. It’s not great, it’s not terrible, it just kind of is. It entertains in the moment, but it’s not really memorable or worth re-watching. I’m sure it plays better to the American audience unfamiliar with Jackie’s Hong Kong work, but that’s not me so I can’t really speak to that experience.
Next up in this chronological journey through the films of Jackie Chan is probably the worst Jackie movie I’ve ever seen: The Tuxedo! I’m not looking forward to revisiting it, but I guess I’ll see ya then regardless!