Rush Hour

1998 Action/Adventure

Brett Ratner directed this action-comedy that found box-office success by teaming Chris Tucker with Jackie Chan -- performing his own stunts as per his earlier films. As the story begins, Hong-Kong supercop Lee's (Chan), detective savvy leads to the confiscation of $500 million in weapons, drugs, and Chinese art. When Hong Kong Chinese Consul Han (Tzi Ma), is sent on a diplomatic mission to Los Angeles, his 11-year-old daughter, Soo Young (Julia Hsu), is abducted by an international criminal mastermind. The FBI assures Han they will find the kidnappers and return her safely, yet Han only trusts his longtime friend and ally (also his daughter's beloved martial arts teacher) Inspector Lee, who immediately flies in to help. Unwilling to have an outsider interfere in their investigation, the FBI assigns rogue LAPD detective (and buffoon) James Carter (Chris Tucker) to the case. Hoping to impress the FBI, Carter enthusiastically reports for work but is dismayed to discover his real mission is only to keep Lee away from the case (read b-a-b-y-s-i-t-t-e-r). The arrogant Carter reacts by embarking on a one-man crusade to solve the case, but he must first distract Lee. It doesn't take Carter long before he realizes he has greatly underestimated his Hong Kong counterpart, who sees what's going on and slips away. Impatient FBI agents try to cast off these unwanted misfit cops, but with an assist from LAPD bomb expert Tania Johnson (Elizabeth Pena), Carter and Lee eventually confront the bad guys in a full-tilt action sequence. more..

Director: Brett Ratner

Starring: Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, Elizabeth Pena, Tom Wilkinson, Julia Hsu

Reviews

  • Rush Hour effectively teams Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker in a formulaic but funny action comedy that should please fans of both stars.

    Kevin Thomas - Los Angeles Times

    27 April 2013

  • Lightweight and made out of familiar elements, but they're handled with humor and invention.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    27 April 2013

  • This good-natured comedy is set off by the high spirits of its stars.

    Bob Graham - The San Francisco Chronicle

    27 April 2013

  • It's the kind of copycat movie that becomes original through its cast and treatment.

    Michael Wilmington - The Chicago Tribune

    27 April 2013

  • The fast-talking Tucker and quick-kicking Chan are a surprisingly good team that manages to deliver a fun combination of highly choreographed action and comedy.

    David Sterritt - Christian Science Monitor

    27 April 2013

Awards

  • Outstanding Actress in a Feature Film

    ALMA Awards (1999)

  • Lalo Schifrin

    BMI Film & TV Awards (1999)

  • Favorite Duo - Action/Adventure

    Blockbuster Entertainment Awards (1999)

  • Bogey Awards, Germany (1999)

  • Golden Screen, Germany (1999)