Rush Hour 2, released in theaters on August 3, 2001, reunites the dynamic and endlessly charismatic duo of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker for a sequel that doubles down on the action and humor. With a change of scenery from Los Angeles to Hong Kong, the film is a fast-paced, high-energy ride that capitalizes on its stars’ chemistry and a series of spectacular set pieces.
The story picks up with LAPD Detective James Carter (Tucker) on vacation in Hong Kong with his friend, Chief Inspector Lee (Chan). Carter, however, is less interested in sightseeing and more focused on finding action, much to Lee’s frustration.
Their vacation is quickly interrupted when two American customs agents are killed in a bomb explosion at the U.S. consulate. Lee is assigned to the case, and Carter, of course, insists on helping, much to the chagrin of the Hong Kong police.
Their investigation leads them into a dangerous world of counterfeit money, international crime, and a deadly triad gang. The trail leads them to Ricky Tan (John Lone), a former partner of Lee’s late father, and his beautiful and equally dangerous enforcer, Hu Li (Zhang Ziyi).
The film’s plot is a chaotic mix of double-crosses and espionage, with Carter and Lee constantly in over their heads. The duo finds themselves in a series of hilarious and action-packed situations, including a frantic chase through a bustling street market and a climactic showdown in a high-stakes casino in Las Vegas.
Rush Hour 2 features a strong supporting cast, including Roselyn Sanchez as Isabella Molina, a beautiful U.S. Secret Service agent who is also working the case; Harris Yulin as Special Agent-In-Charge Sterling; Alan King as casino owner Steven Reign; Jeremy Piven as a Versace salesman; and a memorable cameo by Don Cheadle as the owner of a Chinese restaurant in L.A.
Brett Ratner directed the film, returning from his work on the original Rush Hour (1998).
Don Cheadle, Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker in Rush Hour 2 (Photo/New Line Cinema)
Reception for Rush Hour 2
Rush Hour 2 grossed $67.4 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 1 at the box office.
The film would remain in the box office top 10 for 10 weeks en route to grossing $347.3 million worldwide.
Rush Hour 2‘s domestic gross of $226.2 million placed it No. 4 at the 2001 box office behind Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone ($288.5 million), Shrek ($267.7 million) and Monsters, Inc. ($237.5 million).
Legacy
Rush Hour 2‘s legacy is its status as a highly successful and beloved sequel that proved the first film was no fluke. It is widely celebrated for its bigger budget, more spectacular stunts, and the perfectly honed comedic timing of Chan and Tucker.
The film is remembered for its relentless humor, particularly Tucker’s non-stop chatter, which is the perfect comedic foil for Chan’s more physical and precise brand of comedy. Its enduring appeal lies in its non-stop energy, its seamless blend of martial arts and comedy, and the undeniable star power of its leads.
Rush Hour 2 stands as a definitive entry in the buddy-cop subgenre, a crowd-pleasing action-comedy that is just as entertaining as its predecessor.
