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Rush Hour 2 (2001) New Line Pictures 1 hr. 30 mins. Starring: Chris Tucker, Jackie Chan, Zhang Ziyi, John Lone and Alan King. Directed by: Brett Ratner Rush Hour 2 Rating:  
E-MAIL GIANCARLO DE LISI There really is no easy way of saying this. I did not like the original (if you choose to call it that) 'Rush Hour' and I did not enjoy the sequel that has just been released 'Rush Hour 2'. Pardon my cynicism, but I also think that the main reason for the abundance of flaws in this film is the lack of talent and vision demonstrated by the director Brett Ratner. Now before everyone who loved the film pounces on me - allow me to explain. First and foremost, this was supposedly a highly budgeted film. Question - did it show? From the opening credits that started the film with weak graphics and Music composer Lalo Schifrin's 'stuck in the 1980's' score - this film proved to be an atrocity on many levels. Furthermore, Jackie Chan's antics must be respected but let's be honest - they are getting repetitive, monotonous and add nothing new to his films. Also, the only reason why he is a star in North America is because of his crossover success with these 'Rush Hour' movies. He must come to the harsh realization that he needs Tucker more than Tucker needs Chan. Tucker has used this experience in these films to raise awareness about his career and will take off extremely soon, yet Chan will fall victim to what I call the 'Danny Glover' syndrome. There will always be one guy that falls in these buddy movies- example: the 'Lethal Weapon' films. Did anyone ever see Danny Glover in a big film besides that series of films? I did not think so? Need proof that Chan lacks sufficient drawing power? Have Chan's past sole starring imports been hits? Getting back to the film, there really is not much to say about this film - except for the fact that Chris Tucker carries this film into a remotely entertaining piece of film. Also, let us analyze how he does this? Is it done through well-written scenes, or is it simply because Ratner shoots Tucker as he is - a loudmouthed, energetic freakazoid who simply radiates comedy onto the screen. My concern for Tucker is to observe whether or not he conserves this momentum he has developed in such a short amount of time. Let's be realistic, receiving a reported 19$ million on your third starring role is quite the achievement. If he wants to remain atop Hollywood's A list; he better make his next film one that displays a little more range and a better script that does not rely on his physical elusiveness to carry the film in its' weak points. As for 'Rush Hour 2'; it adheres to sequel formula. It merely is another recycled film that transcends all the successful elements uncovered in the first and repackaged for a second outing. In my opinion, the worst move a filmmaker and studio can make. The weak plot commences immediately following the even weaker opening that does not entice nor excite as a film of this caliber and expectation should. The first part of the film sets itself in Chan's homeland where a bomb kills two officers in the U.S. Embassy. Thus forcing Chan's character Chief Inspector Lee to stop entertaining Tucker's James Carter who is on holidays. Therefore placing the second portion in Las Vegas that culminates in a horribly filmed climax. The film in no way even attempts at being nothing more than a popcorn flick; but at least they could have made an attempt to give us something new that is exciting. While a mediocre attempt was made at giving us fresh 'eye candy' in the form of Cantonese actress Zhang Ziyi of 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' fame, her capacities as a martial artist were demonstrated in a most feeble way. Therefore, many people will enjoy this mindless piece of entertainment but while my preconceptions were low before the film, the reality is that the result of the end film places them even lower. A barely good film that makes the grade due to Tucker's incessant comic relief with no script to work with which proves his innate ability to entertain and salvage a deplorable film from the ruins of Hollywood 'hack filmaking'. Click here to comment on this review or post your own thoughts. Giancarlo De Lisi © TheWorldJournal.com |
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