‘Rush Hour 3’ Underwhelms in One Word: Meh

CHICAGO – When the outakes are the best part of a film, you know something’s seriously backward. Here’s “Rush Hour 3” succinctly described in one word:

Meh.
It’s not a flop. It’s categorically not a hit. It’s more like a blip in Hollywood history that – should you buy into – you’ll quickly discard.


Chris Tucker (left) and Jackie Chan in “Rush Hour 3”.
Photo courtesy of IMDb
Even so, the film has managed to rake in $50 million in its opening weekend because of its high theater count (3,778) and a flood of advertising.

It seems like one in three cabs in Chicago have sported its sign.

As for the film itself, the awkwardness of a swarm of scenes – such as the “brotha from anotha motha” love between Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker – just don’t work. They feel like forced humor.

Tucker, who is one of the laziest film actors in Hollywood, is receiving a wealth of deserved criticism for his high-pitched, bug-eyed ways. But you have to give it to him: He’s got loads of on-screen intensity.


Noémie Lenoir in “Rush Hour 3”.
Photo courtesy of IMDb
Prior to Tucker’s 2007 role in “Rush Hour 3,” he last worked six years ago in 2001 for (you guessed it) “Rush Hour 2”. In his defense, he has been busy with TV work.

As for the beloved Chan, his name is synonymous with respect because of his light-hearted, part comedic and part martial arts ways. Especially as illustrated in this film, though, such lines with such a native accent make the bits feel indicated.

Let’s face it: Chan is no Jet Li or Chow Yun-Fat. While Li and Yun-Fat aren’t designed to be imbued with Chan’s comedy, their full-fledged badassness beats Chan’s mirth twice over.


Chris Tucker in “Rush Hour 3”.
Photo courtesy of IMDb
Along with his comedy and fighting, Chan’s role also distinctly splits into one with grave concern and seriousness – or tried to. Taking Chan seriously is like truly believing Paris Hilton is an angel.

Overall, various actors deliver a wide degree of indicating.

The film’s merits are designed to be pure comedy, pure action and nothing else. “Rush Hour 3,” which opened on Aug. 10 everywhere, so-so delivers on both and is at best characterized as mediocre.

© 2007 Adam Fendelman