**WARNING** The following uses the word 'N*gg*r', however it is not used derogatively and is taken directly from the movie. It is an example of how two different cultures can use a word differently **WARNING**
It seems that many of America's top comedians are moving from the comedy business into the movie business. With the Wayan brothers, Will Smith and many others already successful in this move it became inevitable that Chris Tucker would try his hand at a comedy movie.
Most of these movies combine humour with action to produce movies similar to Lethal Weapon. The slick humour combined with the excellent karate make these types of movies very watchable.
<The Movie>
In typical fashion, the movie concentrates on a policeman who doesn't want a partner (shades of Lethal Weapon?). Chris Tucker plays the policeman who uses unorthodox techniques to catch the criminals. Unfortunately these techniques often get him in trouble and his latest escapade leave him with the chance of suspension.
Meanwhile, as Britain finally gives up control of Hong Kong, the Chinese consol and his daughter move to America to become consol there. As the young girl is on the way to school she is kidnapped.
The FBI is called in. When the FBI hear that the consol wants his own man from Hong Kong on the job, they find a 'partner' for him who's job it is to baby-sit this man and make sure he doesn't interfere with the FBI's work.
Enter Jackie Chan as the Hong Kong detective. Chris Tucker is giving the job of baby-sitting and at first finds the job difficult as Jackie Chan uses acrobatics to escape (e.g. jumping from a bus). Finally the pair joins together and attempts to solve the crime.
As the movie progresses towards an inevitable conclusion we see the pair in many circumstances where karate, teamwork and gun power all play a part as they forge their way to the end.
<My Opinion>
The movie plays on the cultural and language differences of the American and Chinese man to superb effect. In one instance it highlights the idiosyncrasies of race related problems as Chris Tucker affectionately uses the term 'n*gg*r' to greet his 'brothers', and then Jackie Chan attempts to use the same familiarity and ends up offending the 'brothers'.
There is much slapstick humour in this movie, ranging from Chris Tucker doing some funny dances with Jackie Chan, to a scene where Jackie Chan is attempting to teach Chris Tucker how to disarm an opponent.
The movie has shades of Lethal Weapon with its tongue in cheek humour, its reluctant partnership and its thrilling fight and chase scenes. The choreography is excellent as we see some excellent and very funny fight sequences.
Although the movie is a little predictable, the humour and action manages to keep us watching as I found myself laughing out loud many times throughout the movie. There is a twist in the plot that many will guess, making the movie a little more intriguing.
<The Acting>
Chris Tucker is suprisingly good as the unorthodox police man. His combination of one-liners and visual comedy enhance a potentially ordinary movie.
Jackie Chan is excellent although it is obvious he struggles with English. He more than makes up for this with his sparkle and his classic karate.
<Conclusion>
This movie is billed as PG-13 for its violent content, however I think that it is suitable for 10+ as it doesn't really contain much graphic violence, nudity or foul language. It is a very funny movie that can be watched many times.
The combination of Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan is strangely good as the two different styles clash and somehow form a great partnership.
The sound and direction of the movie is also very good adding a great element to the movie as the camera angles and music somehow make he movie more exciting.
This is definitely a great movie for any DVD or video collection
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Production Year: 1977 - Action/Adventure - Director: Clint Eastwood - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring:Clint Eastwood, Sondra Locke, Pat Hingle, William Prince, Bill McKinney
Production Year: 1964 - Action/Adventure - Director: Cyril Endfield - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring:Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Michael Caine, Nigel Green
Production Year: 2002 - Action/Adventure - Director: Vincenzo Natali - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring:Lucy Liu, David Hewlett, Anne Marie Scheffler, Joseph Scoren, Matthew Sharp, Jeremy Northam
Thought I'd check out your review! Great op, loved this film. ~M~ :)
jennystevenson 04.09.2001 15:00
Oi Simon, you always manage to write some excellent opinions on a regular basis! Can I borrow your brain for the afternoon? I'm lacking inspiration for a couple of ops! Once again, a great read (grrr). Jenny =)
Elainebaba 04.09.2001 14:49
Seen it really funny and good to watch! did eat a whole bucketful of popcorn throughout!
Avril
The plot line may sound familiar: two mismatched cops are assigned as reluctant partners ... more
to solve a crime. Culturally they are complete opposites, and they quickly realise they can't stand each other. One (Jackie Chan) believes in doing things by the b...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
The plot line may sound familiar: two mismatched cops are assigned as reluctant partners ... more
to solve a crime. Culturally they are complete opposites, and they quickly realise they can't stand each other. One (Jackie Chan) believes in doing things by the b...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
International superstar Jackie Chan is teamed up with funny man Chris Tucker in this ... more
explosive thrill-a-minute adventure jam-packed with Chan's trademark daring martial arts stunts. Two cops from very different worlds must learn to trust each othe...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
International superstar Jackie Chan is teamed up with funny man Chris Tucker in this ... more
explosive, thrill-a-minute adventure, jam-packed with Chan's trademark daring martial arts stunts.Two cops, from very different worlds, must learn to trust each other ...
Advantages: Great acting from Chris Tucker and excellent stunts from Jackie Chan Disadvantages: Not enough stunts, not the greatest plot, vague conclusion
Loughran 10.11.2008 ·
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