When the eleven-year-old daughter of the Chinese Consul in Los Angeles is kidnapped, the desperate father insists on summoning his old friend and Hong Kong Police ace detective, Inspector Lee, to assist the FBI in the investigation. However, the bureau is far from keen on allowing the newcomer to get in their way, so they pair him up with the loudmouthed L.A.P.D. detective, James Carter, to watch over him. Of course, no one is particularly happy about this awkward partnership; nevertheless, the mismatched duo of reluctant partners must team up to solve this mystery before the FBI. Rush Hour has to be up there at the top of best buddy cop movies. Whilst following many themes from other movies with the buddy cop dynamic, where two vastly different cops have to join forces to get the job done, I feel that this pair is unique or at least doesn't feel unoriginal. There have been countless movies of this subgenre over the decades with them certainly peaking in the 80s like Lethal Weapon (1987), Stakeout (1987) Tango & Cash (1989) and the list goes on. However, despite retaining some elements and attributes of those film's duo relationships, I feel that this pair bring something new to that well-established genre. Detective Inspector Lee (played by Jackie Chan) is trained in martial arts and is capable of doing some insane stunts and acrobatics. The most impressive aspect of his character is that all these skills are done by Jackie himself as he is renowned for doing his own stunts. He keeps his eye on the task at all times doing everything in his power to complete the task at hand, especially seeing this mission is asked by his friend but also since he has a strong relationship with the kidnapped girl. Detective James Carter (played by Chris Tucker) on the other hand doesn't always make the best decisions, best seen during his introduction during an undercover mission that saw him get two cops shot and a car exploding with the evidence inside in a populated area, where he proceeds to dance like Michael Jackson. It is hilarious, which also sums up his character as he delivers some of the funniest lines both in quick succession and in a humourous fashion. Carter has the wit, charm and loves to sing and dance, even helping Lee in a phenomenal sequence of them singing 'War' by Edwin Starr whilst staking out a restaurant. Their initial introductions are perfect at showing how contrasting the pair is from Lee taking down an armed boat stealthily, kicking ass, Carter on the other hand messes everything up. Upon meeting they don't immediately get along, much like in other buddy cop movies, yet they do stick together using both of their skills to uncover any information. As they spend more time with one another, they grow closer as partners sharing details about their fathers being cops and learning stuff from the other. Lee shows Carter his country's food, and how to fight, like disarming gunmen whilst Carter teaches Lee how to dance, sing and have a good time. Lee isn't as fluent with his English and ends up listening too much to Carter resulting in some problems, like repeating the N-word resulting in a bar fight that he wins yet is confused as to what he did wrong. I love their dyrnamic so much making them one of my favourite cop duos. Even though they aren't involved in the other operations of the investigation, they still manage to do the most legwork, uncovering hideouts and closing in on the operation. There are plenty of henchmen to fight with and a rival of Lee's, Sang who escaped his clutches but there is another mastermind to this plot hidden in plain sight. The final confrontation to save Soo Yung, the kidnapped girl, is awesome, full of fights, shootouts, acrobatics, tension and comedic moments. The pair are in full force as they take down the menace once and for all. Overall, Rush Hour is an exceptional flick that is likely to remain a staple in pop culture history. I like how this isn't limited to a comedy and can combine the story with drama, action and deliver an interesting story. Lee and Carter have a fantastic friendship that blossoms throughout the adventure that grows in each instalment. Check the sequel Rush Hour 2 (2001) for more crazy antics from this epic duo.
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