To save some time, I decided to review all “Rush Hour” movies in one post. Also, because my thoughts on these three films are quite similar. I will start with my general reflections. Further on, I will give some extra ratings for each film.

General thoughts

The Rush Hour movies are truly Buddy Films! Many have been made, such as several John Woo movies, the ‘Lethal Weapon’ series. Most of you know the starting point of these films. Two men are forced to work together by circumstances but don’t like each other, at least in the beginning. Their opposite characters usually provide the hilarity that characterizes the genre, and although they are mostly action films, they remain light-hearted and therefore suitable for a wide audience.

Of course, the formula has been milked out quite a bit, but well, entertainment is entertainment. And that’s ‘Rush Hour’ for sure. Jackie Chan does what he always does and does it well again. The same goes for his brand-new partner Chris Tucker. Tucker has been a TV personality and comedian in America for years. He was also the gay game host Ruby Rhod on that ship in ‘The Fifth Element’ (1997).

The magic between Chan and Tucker, the main ingredient for a buddy movie’s success, is wonderful. That’s what makes these films so enjoyable. The two men are quite the opposite, and this produces some entertaining scenes, like their first day together, in which they try to get rid of each other, or the one in which they look up Tucker’s homies for some information.

Rush Hour 1

Director: Brett Ratner
Writers: Ross LaManna, Jim Kouf
Cast: Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, Ken Leung

After Lee (Jackie Chan), a detective from Hong Kong, finds a large loot from the criminal Juntao, he kidnaps the daughter of a Chinese diplomat in Los Angeles. Lee is ordered to travel to America to save her. However, the F.B.I. is not waiting for a meddling outsider and uses the slick, arrogant L.A.P.D. Detective James Carter (Chris Tucker) to look after Lee.

The story feels solid, with no big holes in the script. The action is amazing, and the partnership reasonably credible. Rush Hour’ has earned its stripes and is a great one in the genre. I still think it’s the best film out of the three. Just to be clear, I like them all.

Rush Hour 2

Director: Brett Ratner
Writer: Jeff Nathanson
Cast: Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, John Lone

Inspector Lee (Jackie Chan) and James Carter (Chris Tucker) both work separately on their careers after solving a few cases together. Tucker works as a traffic cop, and Lee is the bodyguard of his good friend Ambassador Han (Tzi Ma). When the Ambassador is shot during a speech, Lee starts the chase. Carter happens to see this chase pass by and decides to help. However, he ruins it, and the suspect manages to escape. Before they realize it, Carter and Lee are in trouble again. They have to try to stop a worldwide organization of the Chinese Triads, but they also have to protect Soo Yung (Zhang Jingchu), Han’s daughter.

When this one came out, I remember that I was not fond of it as much as the other two. Mainly because this was in Paris. Not that I hate Paris, but I live in Europe, and we tend to like other countries more when it comes to travel. Now, years later, I do love Rush Hour 3 more. However, it’s still the weakest one of the three films.

Rush Hour 3

Director: Brett Ratner
Writers: Jeff Nathanson
Cast: Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, Max von Sydow

Inspector Lee (Jackie Chan) and James Carter (Chris Tucker) both work separately on their careers after solving a few cases together. Tucker works as a traffic cop and Lee is the bodyguard of his good friend Ambassador Han (Tzi Ma). When the Ambassador is shot during a speech, Lee starts the chase. Carter happens to see this chase pass by and decides to help. However, he ruins it and the suspect manages to escape. Before they realize it, Carter and Lee are in trouble again. They have to try to stop a worldwide organization of the Chinese Triads, but they also have to protect Soo Yung (Zhang Jingchu), Han’s daughter.

When this one came out I remember that I didn’t like it as much as the other two. Mainly because this was in Paris. Not that I hate Paris, but I live in Europe and we tend to like other countries more when it comes to travel. Now, years later I do love Rush Hour 3 more. However, it’s still the weakest one of the three films.

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