Rush Hour 2

Parents say
Based on 4 reviews
Kids say
Based on 29 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the movie has a lot of action violence and comic peril. That means that the fight scenes are not very graphic. In almost cartoon-style fashion, characters get beat up badly and then are shown in the next scene without any wounds. School-age kids who see this movie may get unrealistic ideas about the consequences of fighting. The movie also has some strong language, sexual innuendo, and a massage parlor scene in which Tucker is allowed to choose from an array of girls and selects several of them.
Community Reviews
u can't stop watching!!
Report this review
Better sequel but still terrible
Report this review
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
- 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: January 1, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love action
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate