Rush Hour 3

Sometimes I say to myself that dubbing isn’t so bad after all. For instance it saved me from having to listen to Tucker’s unbearable high-pitched tone (I swear I know a girl with an identical voice - but at least she doesn’t use it to communicate such bullshit) and Chan’s still rather sputtery English. What it didn’t save me from is Sydow’s rather too obvious “I’m wasted here, I know that, but don’t give a shit, and nor should you" pose. If this were Polanski, I wouldn’t have to endure variations on the theme “I’m the worst acted cop that has ever appeared in the history of French crime movies, Steve Martin’s Clouseau included". And mainly I wouldn’t have to look for a puke bucket during the singing scene, the exercises on the safety net or during the “tricolor gives you wings" scene. The surprising thing is, that even despite all the above, I quite enjoyed it. As long Sanada and Chan were on set and weren’t saying anything, it worked. Occasionally. (07/04/2009)

Same old. Basically, the only thing that’s changed is the location (which they even included in the title, just in case) and the villain. Luckily, it’s a template that I find quite agreeable. Plus, the final fight on the Eiffel Tower was really impressive. And the outtakes are funnier than last time. (31/08/2008)

The longer you see these two clowns, the more you shake your head and let yourself be carried away by the crazy wave of adventure and nonsense. The third installment requires forgiving many things because it is full of classic action clichés and an incredibly empty plot. On the other hand, it is sufficiently action-packed and it is evident that no expense was spared on the technical aspects and overall look (the costumes are a whole chapter on their own). The finale on the tower is very well shot and the leading duo can still handle themselves well. I even laughed at their lines a few times, which I don't recall from the previous installments, so I definitely wouldn't throw it in the trash. In addition, Ratner to outdo himself several times during the movie, and I liked that a lot. (25/07/2008)

The third part tries to create a more complex connection with the previous parts, especially the first one. We see a little girl from the first part returning and speaking into the events, which are otherwise quite logically classic. Tucker and Chan are fooling around, the first one showing how quickly he can speak, and the second one showing off his acrobatic abilities. Just another part in the series, with which this gradually falls deeper into mediocrity. What will the fourth part be like? (17/03/2014)