Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker have remarkable on-screen chemistry in the Rush Hour films. The pair starred in three installments of the franchise, each one featuring hilarious comedic moments. Did we forget to mention those thrilling action sequences?
The 69-year-old legendary martial arts actor has always been renowned for his commitment to his acting roles. Even though his films tend to be box-office successes, it can be difficult for his co-stars to give performances that are as committed as Chan’s. But in some way, the actor pushes his fellow stars to work harder and go beyond their comfort zones in order to be more true to their characters.
Well, it is safe to say that fans of both actors enjoyed their 1998 film endlessly, but it required some effort, such as Chan overcoming a language barrier and adapting to American stunt precaution standards.
Chris Tucker On Working With Jackie Chan
Rush Hour became extremely well-liked due to the unusual pairing of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. The first was a well-known action star, and the second was an iconic stand-up comedian. But there were problems going on behind the scenes of the movie.
Recalling the Rush Hour movies and their production, Chan and Tucker were the well-liked duos that nobody anticipated would succeed because of the former actor’s adamant personality.
Moreover, the Drunken Master star has always been infuriated by the depressing state of action stars in films, who are unwilling to dedicate themselves to the physical portion of the shoot.
Rush Hour was perhaps just as well known for its clever stunts as it was for its humor. Tucker was extremely complimentary of Chan’s choreographic vision, which the comedian had personally witnessed:
“He’d get there the day before and pick up a trash can and a broom and work it into the action. Then he’d tell me, ‘You do one, two, three punches, and make it so simple I looked like I knew what I was doing.’ I never interfered. I’d just say, ‘You work it out and call me to the set when you’re ready.’”
On the other hand, Chan thought that Rush Hour‘s stunt work could have distinguished it from other films of a similar nature.
“The difference is that in Rush Hour they really gave me a lot of freedom. I can control all the fighting scenes. In Lethal Weapon 4 all the fighting scenes are similar to American movies–BOOM BOOM BOOM–big explosions.”
The Hidden Strike actor further added:
“So when the movie started–Rush Hour–I went to the director and said, ‘Look, you have to promise me. Fewer explosions. Less violence. Fewer gunfights. Even if you have the gunfights don’t show the blood. We want no special effects. Jackie Chan will be the special effects, doing exactly what I am doing in Asia.’”
Why Rush Hour Was So Successful?
Despite praise for their on-screen chemistry and unique dynamic, Jackie Chan has been unable to determine the exact reason for Rush Hour’s phenomenal success. His on-screen chemistry with Chris Tucker has been praised by many critics as a key element in the movie’s success.
Chan has struggled to explain the movie’s success and has not been able to pinpoint any particular characteristics that set it apart from other movies of the same kind. The Hong Kong actor once told the LA Times:
“Even myself, I have no idea why the film was so successful. There are so many buddy movies already. You know Lethal Weapon, 48 HRS.–so many already. I think with Rush Hour it was just good timing. Why? Because after Rumble in the Bronx was a success, then everyone went to rent the videos of Drunken Master, First Strike, and the others. They kept looking at all the old films.”
Thus, as per Jackie Chan’s hypothesis, the popularity of Rush Hour may have been influenced by the increased attention he began to receive from Western audiences around the time of its release.
Also, the awkward chemistry between the two leads and some of Chan’s best fight scenes came together to make this American buddy action comedy from 1998 a box-office success. The film, which Brett Ratner directed, made over $244 million worldwide.
You can enjoy the entire Rush Hour series on HBO Max.
Source: LA Times
