Jackie Chan's first breakthrough American movie is a fast-paced, non-stop barrage of comedy spills and action thrills, a solid buddy-buddy formula movie which never deviates from the rules, but nevertheless succeeds as a piece of entertainment for the masses and at least proved popular enough to spawn a sequel (and possible further sequels). A conspiracy kidnapping plot, double-crossing bad guys, east meets west tension, tons of action and jokes keep this one running throughout. Jackie Chan himself is the main ingredient of this film's success; although the film is very different in style and feel to his eastern movies, he still proves himself to be a very funny leading man, especially when dealing with all of the racial humour his character puts up with in this movie. In the film's many explosive fight sequences, Chan also gets to show off his martial arts skills, although I would have preferred a one-on-one fight with the blond-haired bad guy at the end.The comedy element is largely provided by the love-him-or-hate him Chris Tucker, an extremely overbearing and outrageous comedian-turned-actor in the Eddie Murphy mould. Truth be told, I'm not a great fan of sweary, jive-talking comedians but Tucker is undeniably likable here, and his persona sparks off nicely with Chan's more laidback, serious character. Expect plenty of the usual male bonding and some nice chemistry to develop between the two stars. Also expect to see plenty of familiar faces in the cast giving quality performances, not least Tom Wilkinson, who bizarrely goes from a comedy stripper in THE FULL MONTY to the imposing central villain in this movie.The action elements are kept varied, ranging from martial arts to shoot-outs, explosions and tense hostage situations, with the finale being particularly well handled. The film also never outstays its welcome and despite the violent, often profane subject matter, it never becomes offensive. The comedy is mixed well with the thriller angle so not only are there some very funny moments, but there are also some highly suspenseful, even dangerous scenes in the movie. Chan's knack for physical comedy is highlighted in a great moment where he attempts to hold up a priceless vase whilst fighting off two baddies. Although this isn't a superb film and can't hold a candle to the LETHAL WEAPON movies, Chan and Tucker make for a surprisingly good combination and the film as a whole is impossible to dislike.

I saw Max Landis talk about this movie on Twitter, but I didn't pay much attention to the conversation. My dad and I were looking for movies to watch on Netflix, and Rush Hour popped up. Since we wanted to watch an action comedy, it seemed perfect. Rush Hour is absolutely hilarious! Most of the comedy comes from the clash between two main characters. There are cultural and characteristic differences, which are so much fun and cause a lot of misunderstandings and unfortunate but hysterical situations.Rush Hour is definitely a thrilling action movie. It just happens to be predictable as well. You know what's going to happen, because you've seen tons of movies like this one. What makes that better is that you don't know how it's going to happen, so Rush Hour - and all the other movies such as this one - may still manage to surprise you by taking you to the predictable destination by different means than you expected. And usually no one expects action comedies to be completely unpredictable, even if the old, boring ways are annoying. Action comedies are fun, and the movie being fun and thrilling is more important than it being unpredictable and completely new.Hand to hand combat scenes are a pleasure to watch. They are well coordinated and the choreography is incredible. Most of that is because of Jackie Chan's wonderful talent.Not only is Jackie Chan talented, he's absolutely charming. I've only seen him in the Chinese movie The Twins Effect (or Vampire Effect) in a small role, and this is the first time I saw him playing a main character. Of course the character he plays - Lee - is a bit typical, but still delightful. Chris Tucker, on the other hand, played a really typical character when it comes to a black man in an action comedy, but I'd rather blame the director and writers than him. I've seen him before in Jackie Brown and that one David O. Russell movie I barely remember watching. Both characters are lovable and their chemistry works. Different characters would've made the movie a whole lot different.I definitely liked this movie. My dad already asked if we're going to watch the sequels. Damn right we are. I don't know if the stories will be as interesting, but I love the characters more, and it will be interesting to see how their chemistry works now that they know each other better in the sequels.

Rush Hour (1998): Dir: Brett Ratner / Cast: Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, Elizabeth Pena, Tom Wilkinson, Ken Leung: Overrated action farce full of clichés. Title indicates my desire to leave the theatre before the presentation was over. Actually, it regards time and territory but unfortunately the plot is just an excuse for Chris Tucker to bad mouth people and for Jackie Chan to display incredible stunts. They investigate the kidnapping of a girl whom Chan is familiar with. What follows is an encore of wise cracks by Tucker and stunts by Chan. Directed by Brett Ratner with sets and locations that spark little enthusiasm. Ratner previously collaborated with Tucker with Money Talks. Chan and Tucker have an excellent chemistry together and it upholds the conclusion when they must work through crucial moments. This is a good thing since the rest of the film pretty much sucks. Supporting cast portray a host of stereotypes that are less interesting than the script their thrown within. Elizabeth Pena is featured, and Tom Wilkinson who is capable of better things than this. It exists as the umpteenth buddy flick and aside from the leads, this is hardly progressing forward. There have been examples where buddy films have worked even in the action genre but here only the two stars are left to support a lot of dead weight within a screenplay that cannot bare much. Score: 5 / 10

I never thought i would like this movie but this is one of the best comedy movies I have ever seen. I thought it would mostly be about action and crime with little comedy but I was literally laughing so hard in the middle of night when I was watching it.I have never seen any Jackie Chan's movie before but his acting was so good and the fighting scenes were so perfectly choreographed that I will be looking forward to watch more of his movies.Chris Tucker was mind blowing.His face expressions were so hilarious.Who would have guessed but he was actually the most entertaining part of the movie.These two really had a great on air chemistry.In short, those 98 minutes were worth spent.