Rush Hour 2: A Comedy for the Developmentally Challenged?
Comparing a Jackie Chan comedy to the Special Olympics might seem harsh, but there’s a point to be made. While the athletes at the Special Olympics face physical challenges, Chan’s characters often seem to struggle with mental agility. Thus, critiquing “Rush Hour 2,” like its predecessor, feels almost unfair, yet there’s little to celebrate. Its target audience is clearly teenagers, suggesting a certain level of intellectual accessibility.
Going into this film, brace yourself for a plot that barely rises above the level of a procedural conversation: “We have information that Ricky Tan is hosting a ball on a ship.” “I will do my duty, General.” Don’t expect any profound narrative developments.
Predictable Pairings and Humor
Those who struggle with change will find comfort in “Rush Hour 2.” It largely mirrors the original. We have the dynamic duo: Jackie Chan, the stoic hero, and Chris Tucker, the wisecracking comedian. As they take on the mafia, the earnest Chan charges ahead while Tucker gets distracted by women. Inevitably, Chan ends up with the girl, but Tucker’s humor saves the day. The humor itself relies heavily on Tucker’s ignorance of Chinese and Chan’s heavily accented English. Jokes flirt with racism, sexism, and homophobia. Interspersed are fight scenes, chases, and glimpses of high society.
Familiar Formula, New Locations
What might appeal to teenagers is the illusion of variety, the slight tweaks to familiar elements. “Rush Hour 2” sets its sights on major entertainment hubs: Hong Kong and Las Vegas. Hong Kong offers bamboo, massages, and karaoke bars, while Las Vegas provides casinos. The plot, however flimsy, serves as the catalyst for these travels. A black American cop visits his Chinese cop friend in Hong Kong, only to find the American embassy bombed by the Chinese mafia. The two “challenged” heroes must investigate. The novelty lies in the settings for the fight scenes: a massage parlor with strategically placed towels, or a casino with chips scattered across the green felt. The opening brawl on bamboo scaffolding is relatively fresh, but it’s there to lure you in.
Lost Potential
Everyone seems resigned to this type of cinematic “Special Olympics,” including John Lone as the villain, Ricky Tan. But once you’re hooked, you might feel a pang of sadness remembering Lone’s past roles in films like “The Last Emperor,” “M. Butterfly,” and “The Moderns.” Perhaps someone will even miss one of the below-the-belt jokes.
The Saving Grace: The Credits
The one thing that unites the audience, regardless of their level of “challenge,” is the end credits. It’s the best part of “Rush Hour 2.” First, there’s the relief that the absurdity is finally over. Second, the credits are accompanied by outtakes. Chan, who effortlessly slipped through a hole in the film, gets stuck in it during the outtakes. He struggles to pronounce “Madison Square Garden.” Tucker misjudges a run and falls. A girl calls him during filming.
Of course, these outtakes are staged, but they offer a hint of the parody that the entire film could have been.