Rush Hour 2 (PG-13, 2001)

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.