In 1998, Jackie Chan’s career received a significant boost with the release of “Rush Hour”, a buddy-cop comedy that paired him with Chris Tucker. The film’s success can be attributed to its comedic nature, which contrasted the personalities of its two leads. Chan was already a well-established star in Asia and Europe, but “Rush Hour” brought him to the forefront of international stardom. Brett Ratner, the filmmaker behind the project, personally met with Chan to pitch the idea, which Chan agreed to participate in.
The chemistry between Chan and Tucker was initially uncertain, as they barely spoke the same language. However, their contrasting personalities eventually became the foundation of their characters’ dynamic. “Rush Hour” follows the story of Chief Inspector Lee, who teams up with LAPD detective James Carter to rescue the Chinese Consul’s kidnapped daughter. The film’s plot is straightforward, but its execution relies on the comedic chemistry between the two leads.
A Still From Jackie Chan in CZ12 (Via IMDB)
From a critical standpoint, “Rush Hour” does not bring anything new to the table in terms of its genre. However, it was the first time Western audiences had a chance to see Jackie Chan in a Hollywood production. The film’s box-office success, grossing over $140 million and becoming the seventh-biggest movie of 1998, cemented Chan’s status as a global superstar.
One fan’s enthusiasm for Jackie Chan indirectly led to the creation of Rotten Tomatoes. Senh Dong, a Jackie Chan fan, was excited to learn about “Rush Hour’s” release but struggled to find reviews of the film online. He decided to aggregate reviews for other movies, which eventually led to the launch of Rotten Tomatoes. “Rush Hour’s” influence on popular culture is undeniable, and its impact can still be seen today. The film’s ability to bring different cultures and comedic styles together made it a groundbreaking buddy-cop comedy. While some may find the film dated, its influence will continue to reverberate through the presence of Rotten Tomatoes.
