Rush Hour 2
By Nell Minow,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Less compelling than the first, but fun for fans.
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Rush Hour 2
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Based on 5 parent reviews
u can't stop watching!!
What's the Story?
Motor-mouth L.A. cop Carter (Chris Tucker) and stoic kick-boxing Hong Kong Chief Inspector Lee (Jackie Chan) are back in this action-packed buddy sequel, which finds them in China taking on a counterfeiting operation run by a dangerous triad gang member who just happens to be Lee's nemesis. This time, the partners deal with a connection to a Las Vegas casino, a hot-blooded secret agent (Roselyn Sanchez), and a pyromaniac femme fatale (Zhang Ziyi).
Is It Any Good?
More like a remake of Rush Hour, this sequel has a microscopic plot that moves the story along without distracting audiences or the performers too much from the fights, explosions, and wisecracks.
The problem with any sequel to a movie like this is that by now, the characters respect and trust one another, resulting in less dramatic tension and a less compelling plot than the first film. Tucker's comic riffs and Chan's balletic fight scenes are mildly entertaining, but have a synthetic feel. High points include a fight staged in a massage parlor and the pyrotechnic contributions of Zhang Ziyi's character. Her screen presence is electric, even in Mandarin. Don Cheadle shows up for a brief scene that reminds us of what real acting looks like.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how we decide whom to trust and the risks that undercover operatives must take. They may also want to talk about the challenges of making friends with people from other cultures and the way that Carter and Lee tease each other about the differences between blacks and Asians.
Movie Details
- In theaters: August 3, 2001
- On DVD or streaming: December 11, 2001
- Cast: Chris Tucker , Jackie Chan , Zhang Ziyi
- Director: Brett Ratner
- Inclusion Information: Black actors, Asian actors
- Studio: New Line
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Run time: 90 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: action violence, language and some sexual material
- Last updated: July 3, 2023
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