I can’t remember the first time I saw RUSH HOUR 2, but one thing I know about it for sure: I have gone through two copies of the Chris Tucker-Jackie Chan caper, making sure every scene is watched and re-watched, including many repeats in slow motion.
The whole RUSH HOUR series is massively underrated for its fun and high-pitched comedy antics. When someone stood in front of the studio heads and said: ‘Jackie Chan, as a cop, speaking English… with a black partner,’ I can almost guarantee they had no idea it would actually be great, and become one of the best-made action comedies ever.
RUSH HOUR 2 is essentially a re-hashing of everything that was good in terms of comedy and plot the original, but much like the KARATE KID remake they just set it in China. It captures the full potential of the franchise and does what a sequel actually should: takes those much loved moments that the original film gave us and improves on them, just like in a game sequel that has the same storyline and controls but slightly better graphics and a few cheeky add-ons. RUSH HOUR 2 is a massive improvement, rendering the whole first film to an overblown character development session.
Highlights are any fight scene involving the martial arts Chan, a surprisingly touching moment where Lee (Chan) believes that Carter (Tucker) has died in an explosion, and in his memory takes a day to himself, not to mourn, but to have fun in the memory and honour of his friend. And let’s not forget a fabulous Michael Jackson impression from Tucker.
‘What do you mean act natural? I’m three foot taller than everybody in here.’
A movie guaranteed to make you laugh and shout ‘Hiya!’ at the screen, definitely one for a great night in with your mates, and the hilarious final outtakes reel is an absolute must.
You can see the rest of our guilty pleasures here.
