Rush Hour MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: -2

The former Chinese mayor of Hong Kong is sent to Los Angeles as the new diplomatic consul. After his arrival, his 11 year old daughter is kidnapped. He calls Hong Kong to send Detective Lee (Jackie Chan) to help get her back. Meanwhile the FBI is working on the case and they don't want interference from a foreigner. They call on the LA police department to provide an escort for Lee to keep him away from the search. But LAPD sends Detective Carter (Chris Tucker) who has his own way of doing things and is close to being suspended. Thinking the FBI wants him on he case, Carter is disappointed at his escort duties, Lee is just as frustrated at being kept from the investigation. The two finally join forces and search for the girl themselves. Filled with the humorous antics of Chris Tucker, lots of action and the incredible athletic stunts of Jackie Chan, RUSH HOUR is a real crowd pleaser.

Unfortunately, the dialogue overflows with foul language. A slang variation of the f-word is used once, but the s-word appears 42 times. God's name is used in vain 16 times and crude terms are included another 59 times. The great majority of the foul language is spoken by Tucker and other black actors. Although it may be realistic of the culture, it sets further examples for future use by young audiences. Too bad they can't get a popular entertainer who wants to set a better example and improve the language. The film also shows the cultural paradox when blacks call one another the n-word, but try to beat up Lee when he innocently copies the phrase Carter uses. As in most action films, there's plenty of explosions, shoot-outs, property destruction and, with Jackie Chan, plenty of martial arts fighting and fantastic stunts. Some gunshots show graphic blood spurts from wounds and one explosion implies the death of an FBI squad. The little girl is shown with explosives strapped to her vest, but she shows a lot of spunk when rescued. There's no nudity or sex, but Carter asks a co-worker what color her underwear is and Lee stops a woman in a bomb squad suit with his hand on her chest, but quickly removes it when he notices where it is. When the ransom money falls from a high ceiling, Carter says "Thank you God," while standing in the rain of cash. He's also seen stuffing some in his shirt. There's a humorous exchange when Carter and Lee talk about their fathers being cops which becomes a childish "my father can beat your father" trade. One scene shows an older black man smoking marijuana and comments about Carter buying "weed" in the past. But the frequent foul language should make RUSH HOUR one to detour.

Preview Reviewer: Paul Bicking
Distributor: New Line Cinema, 888 7th Ave, 20th Flr, NY, NY 10106