Monday, August 13, 2007

TBG Reviews: Rush Hour 3

Yeah, yeah, yeah…I know.

But, a couple of things in my defense: (1) Mrs. Bootleg selected the movie and (2) most Black people actually don't mind Chris Tucker. It's kind of like how white people loathe ESPN's Stuart Scott, but are only mildly annoyed by Chris Berman, even though "Boomer's" schtick is indistinguishable from Stu's.

Chris Tucker may be a braying ass, but, to us, he's just a mild annoyance.

And, besides…he's our braying ass.

Even if you've never seen any of the previous Rush Hour movies, you probably know the routine. Jackie Chan and the aforementioned Mr. Tucker play a pair of mismatched cops from different worlds. Cultures clash, hilarity ensues and the bad guys are chop-sockied to oblivion. End credits.

In this latest effort, Inspector Lee (Chan) and Detective Carter (the Black guy) are out to foil an organized Chinese crime syndicate. Yes, again.

But, this time they're in Paris!

Obviously, it's a money grab for all involved, but this flick actually had its moments here and there with Chan and Tucker displaying more of the great chemistry they established in the original Rush Hour nearly ten(!) years ago.

(And, be honest…you had the 1998 Def Jam soundtrack just like I did.)

Sure, the plot is transparently predictable – Mrs. Bootleg and I whispered back and forth to each other about what would happen next all throughout the movie and identified the "mystery villain" from the moment he stepped on the screen – but it's not like director Brett Ratner has ever been called "subtle".

Here's a quote for the cover of the DVD (which will probably be out by the time you finish reading this post):

"It ain't the worst of the summer 'three-quels'. Ocean's 13…I'm looking at you."

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Flesh-N-Bone...Montell...Monifah

Something for my people.

Anonymous said...

It's kind of like how white people loathe ESPN's Stuart Scott, but are only mildly annoyed by Chris Berman, even though "Boomer's" schtick is indistinguishable from Stu's.

I'll field this one. For white people, Berman is our buffoonish old uncle who's way too loud and obnoxious, but is ultimately harmless.

Meanwhile, Stu Scott is black and talks like those rapper guys.

Strike one, strike two...

Anonymous said...

It's kind of like how white people loathe ESPN's Stuart Scott, but are only mildly annoyed by Chris Berman, even though "Boomer's" schtick is indistinguishable from Stu's.

What if you hate everyone on ESPN except Kornheiser and Wilbon equally? Do I lose my white card?

Aaron C. said...

Your question intrigues me, Tom.

Sean...a ruling?

Anonymous said...

Whoa, whoa, whoa, Tom.

You mean to tell me you hate Linda Cohn?! Impossible.

And, in answer to your question, your white card remains in tact. But, ONLY because it's assumed that your hatred for Stephen A. Smith is both "irrational" and "out of control".

Anonymous said...

Off topic, but I'm glad to see you are still writing, Aaron. I always like reading your bootleg column, but I missed out on the move here. Thanks mathan for the link again. I had no idea.

Anyway, they didn't hint at making another Rush Hour at the end of this, did they? It has to be done now. Still, I'll probably end up seeing this one day so no high horse riding here.

Oh, and Kornheiser was getting so much heat for his performances on MNF that I thought people were beginning to turn on him. He's still good to me though.

-HW
(I guess I need to get a google account...haha)

Aaron C. said...

HW - Welcome!

No need for the Google conversion, if you'd rather stay 'anonymous'. Mathan's only using his real name here cuz light-skinned bruthas stick together. Now, if someone could send Stoney Jackson a link to this blog...

Anonymous said...

You mean to tell me you hate Linda Cohn?! Impossible.

I do, but I don't hate Erin Andrews. I think she passes under the "eights or better exception".

And, in answer to your question, your white card remains in tact. But, ONLY because it's assumed that your hatred for Stephen A. Smith is both "irrational" and "out of control".

Check and Check. Phew. I was worried I'd have to declare for the next ethnicity draft.

Aaron C. said...

Erin Andrews lost major points with me for two recent events:

1.) Her involvement with "Who's Now".

2.) She mispronounced "Lefebvre" twice in about 10 seconds while discussing the Giants hitting woes.

I mean, next you'll be telling me that Rachel Nichols isn't a real journalist.