I have to say that I viewed the first RUSH HOUR movie as a typically average comedy, but I'm pleased to say that the sequel takes a no-nonsense approach to the action and as such is ten times better. Chan and Tucker are back and far more settled in their roles, particular Tucker who manages to be consistently funny here despite his OTT acting and outrageous dialogue. Chan is funny, too, and particular excellent in the frenetic fight and stunt sequences. To of my favourite moments involve him running up a diagonal bamboo pole and sliding effortlessly through a tiny little hole in a grille; these are classic Chan moments and fans of the actor will lap it up.
The fast-moving plot involves a bunch of smugglers and a sexy undercover agent, played by Roselyn Sanchez with relish (perhaps a new Bond girl in the making?). Veteran John Lone (M. BUTTERFLY, and looking better than ever here) shares the criminal duties with newcomer Zhang Ziyi. The resulting pair presents plenty of sparky ego-action and acid dialogue, with Chan and Tucker on the receiving end at most points. The fight scenes take place in massage parlours, boats and there's plenty of fun to be had with parcel bombs and familiar supporting faces in the cast (Kenneth Tsang from THE KILLER, the judge guy from Ghostbusters II and a hilarious Don Cheadle to name but three). The denouement, in a Las Vegas casino, is absolutely brilliant, as Jackie infiltrates the hideout whilst Tucker proves an able diversion by his anti-racism speech at the blackjack table. A fine end to what is a very light and irrelevant, but nevertheless hugely FUN, movie.
The fast-moving plot involves a bunch of smugglers and a sexy undercover agent, played by Roselyn Sanchez with relish (perhaps a new Bond girl in the making?). Veteran John Lone (M. BUTTERFLY, and looking better than ever here) shares the criminal duties with newcomer Zhang Ziyi. The resulting pair presents plenty of sparky ego-action and acid dialogue, with Chan and Tucker on the receiving end at most points. The fight scenes take place in massage parlours, boats and there's plenty of fun to be had with parcel bombs and familiar supporting faces in the cast (Kenneth Tsang from THE KILLER, the judge guy from Ghostbusters II and a hilarious Don Cheadle to name but three). The denouement, in a Las Vegas casino, is absolutely brilliant, as Jackie infiltrates the hideout whilst Tucker proves an able diversion by his anti-racism speech at the blackjack table. A fine end to what is a very light and irrelevant, but nevertheless hugely FUN, movie.