August 2001 Rush Hour 2

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Reviewed by Niambi Sims Rush Hour 2 Distributor: New Line Cinema Director: Brett Ratner Producers: Arthur Sarkissian, Roger Birnbaum, Jonathan Glickman, Jay Stern, Andrew Z. Davis Screenwriter: Jeff Nathanson Cast: Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, Zhang Ziyi, John Lone, Alan King, Roselyn Sanchez Running Time: 90 minutes Three years ago, Los Angeles detectives Carter (Chris Tucker) and Lee (Jackie Chan) propelled us through a comedic joy ride in Rush Hour. Now, the crime- fighting duo is back again. This time around, the kicks are higher and the stunts are even more thrilling as Chan and Tucker keep us rolling with laughter in Rush Hour 2. Questionable criminal activities begin to simmer in Hong Kong including, the mysterious murder of two U.S. customs detectives. Carter and Lee are sent to crack the case. The prime suspect is ex- cop and current crime lord Ricky Tan (John Lone). Before leaving the police force, Tan was the partner of Lee’s deceased father. He was also responsible for his death. Lee and Carter are sent to question Tan and instead witness his murder. This gets them promptly dismissed from the case. Lee, fueled by a personal vendetta, and Carter, the ever-supportive partner, decide to pursue the case on their own. With the aid of a sultry, mysterious “detective” (Roselyn Sanchez), they discover a deadly crime ring of counterfeit money manufacturers headed by the high kicking Hu Li (Zhang Ziyi). It seems that they have met their match in Li who has a block for all of their jabs and sidekicks. This diminutive diva packs a pretty potent punch and manages to set them up and kidnap them! They end up in Las Vegas amidst the decadence of a suspicious wealthy Casino owner Steven Reign (Alan King). This leads them to the answers they were seeking plus some un-welcomed surprises. Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker are fabulous together! They have an awesome chemistry and a natural sense of timing. They do all of their own stunts, which alone make the movie worth seeing. The jokes, though often relying heavily on racial slurs, are clever. The story line is simple with just enough twists to be stimulating. Zhang Ziyi proves that she can once again play a strong villainess. There is even a hilarious cameo by veteran actor Don Cheadle. The comedic antics, including a riveting, half naked fight scene in a massage parlor, are hilarious. There is, of course, a Hollywood ending which leaves us with the impression that there may, in fact, be a Rush Hour 3. Hmmmm….you don’t say.