Comic Rush
Chan and Tucker Crack Up Audiences

While Jackie Chan is undoubtedly one of the most amazing contemporary martial artists to watch on the big screen, he has had trouble reaching American audiences. This is partially because of a cultural gap, and partially because his movies (while wonderful showcases for his art) hang on thread-like plots.

With Rush Hour, in which he costars with up-and-coming comic Chris Tucker, Chan is finally given a chance to make a connection with American audiences. This is Chan and Tucker at their best, in almost a spoof of the "buddy" movies that were so prevelant in the 1980s.

In the beginning of the film, Hong Kong Detective Inspector Lee (Chan) has just helped bust an organized crime ring lead by a mysterious man. Han (Tzi Ma), the head of the Hong Kong police, is leaving for America where he will be the counsul for the Hong Kong embassy. Lee is fond of Counsul Han and his little daughter Soo Yung (Julia Hsu). So when the girl is kidnapped and held for ransom, Lee is on the first plane to America.

Meanwhile, the FBI needs somebody to escort Lee around the town and make sure he stays out of the way of their investigation. LAPD detective James Carter (Tucker) has been picked for this unsavory duty by his very vindictive captain because, in short, Carter has caused the LAPD too many problems. While Carter is unhappy with the assignment, it soon becomes evident that Lee likes it even less and the two become determined to find the missing girl on their own.

Tucker shines in the role of Carter, whose smug attitude and tough-guy act often land him in dangerous situations. Chan, also, makes the most of his role, though he never falls into the trap of playing the stereotypical stranger in a strange land. For all his problems with the English tongue, he always appears in control of a situation. More importantly, Lee is able to teach Carter a thing or two about his world when they follow the trail of the kidnappers into Chinatown.

In addition, Elizabeth Peña (Lone Star) plays Tania Johnson of the LAPD bomb squad, who has an ongoing love/hate relationship with Carter. Her tolerance of him and his egotistical nature provide some wonderfully light moments in the film, and her particular expertise comes in handy toward the end.

While Rush Hour isn't the martial arts extravaganza Chan's fans may expect, it does provide a number of wonderful fight scenes combined with a good story and healthy dose of humor. It may not have the most stunts, or the best fights, but it will appeal to a larger segment of the population. If nothing else, it may guarantee a return of Chan to American theaters in the future.

MY RATING: 7 out of 10.

RATED: PG-13
RUN TIME: 97 min.