Rush Hour 2

Its been a long time coming, but the sequel to the surprise hit Rush Hour is among us. Christ Tucker hasn't done another film since RH1 and Chan was in one of the best films of his American career (Shanghai Noon). So, how do these two stack up when they are re-teamed? Its like the two have never been apart.

Rush Hour 2 begins with Chief Inspector Lee of the Royal Hong Kong Police (JACKIE CHAN) and LAPD detective James Carter (CHRIS TUCKER) arriving in Hong Kong for a vacation. Armed with his Chinese-English dictionary, Carter is looking forward to a much-needed vacation and to sampling some of the city's many exotic delights. But Lee, the ever-dedicated policeman, continues with his duties, frustrating Carter.

No sooner do they arrive, then they are confronted with the biggest case of their careers - a bomb has exploded in the American Embassy, killing two U.S. Customs agents who had been investigating a money smuggling ring that is producing and shipping millions in "superbills," high-grade counterfeit U.S. $100 bills.

Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker are at it again folks, and even funnier than before. This time, Chris Tucker is the fish out of water..and its rather hilarious to see James Carter try to talk his way out of situations with people who don't speak his own language. Its good to see Mr. Tucker back on film...its been awhile (since Rush Hour 1). Jackie Chan must have asked the director for some more action scenes (or more elaborate ones I should say) cause he really gets to show his brilliance in some wonderfully choreographed scenes. Even Tucker gets in on the action, and gets to tussle with the cutie from Crouching Tiger (who is a complete bad ass in this film).

What makes this film even better is that it can actually stand alone as a film away from the original. I mean, the fact that both Carter and Lee's parents were killed in the line of duty (which is restated through this film) is about the only carry over from the original...with the exception for a few lines that are used again to bring back memories to fans of the series. That always makes a truly good sequel great. The fact that people can watch one without watching the other, and not be completely mind fucked. (Trilogies are a entirely different ballgame.)

Rush Hour 2, like its predecessor, has some faults within its plot and at one point starts dragging a little bit...but you can't really expect many buddy flicks to be airtight in the plot department (save for Shanghai Noon). Rush Hour 2 uses its story successfully, and throws in some twists here and there to keep the audience on its toes. I just wish the final battle would have been Chan vs. Zyi instead of the weak battle scene between Lee and Tan in the end.

Overall, Rush Hour 2 is a very enjoyable film that adds some needed humor and excitement to a very bland summer. I just hope enough people see this movie so that a) Rush Hour 3 gets greenlighted & b)Planet of the Apes gets knocked from number 1. I probably won't get the latter to occur, but its wishful thinking. Anyway, the first comedy of August has raised the bar for those that follow. Next week...American Pie 2, until then enjoy Detective Carter and Chief Inspector Lee in yet another hilarious adventure.

Rating: 3/4 out of four.

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