The hit 1998 action film Rush Hour starring Jackie Chan
is finding newfound success on Netflix
. The buddy comedy climbed to the top of the streamer’s charts shortly after it was released on the platform, reaffirming its position as one of the seminal martial arts action films of the late 90s. The popularity of the movie on Netflix also speaks to the enduring appeal of the comedic chemistry between Jackie Chan and Christ Tucker. Here’s hoping they can get it together for Rush Hour 4 as soon as possible.
The film, directed by the controversial filmmaker Brett Ratner (X-Men: The Last Stand), centers around the unexpected partnership between Hong Kong Detective Inspector Lee (Chan) and LAPD Detective James Carter (Chris Tucker) as they work together to rescue the kidnapped daughter of a Chinese Diplomat. Much like Jackie Chan’s earlier films, Rush Hour blends laughs with martial arts, creating an incredibly entertaining physical comedy with truly standout action scenes.
The film was a commercial success, grossing $244 million worldwide, and spawned two sequels: Rush Hour 2 and Rush Hour 3. What’s even more interesting is how the appreciation for Rush Hour partly led to the creation of the review aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes. The history of Rotten Tomatoes and the site’s earliest days, before it became the behemoth review aggregate, started with Rush Hour, making it even more of a standout in Netflix’s streaming catalog. As hilarious and unserious as the movie can be, plenty of rich history surrounds the film, making it a must-watch, which is more than likely the reason for its placement at the top of Netflix’s charts.
‘Rush Hour’ is the Perfect Example of a Buddy Comedy
Jackie Chan’s physical prowess and martial arts skills, paired with Chris Tucker’s comedic timing and clever line delivery, would soon become the gold standard for buddy comedies that would follow. The two actors’ chemistry together is undoubtedly a significant reason why Rush Hour climbed to the top of the Netflix charts at the beginning of this new year, and its inclusion in the streamer’s massive catalog will also help new and younger viewers discover this 90s classic as well.
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Moreover, much like Jackie Chan’s previous work in films like Police Story, plenty of intricate and creatively choreographed action sequences use the environment and set design in unexpected ways, making anything and everything a weapon. In watching Carter’s and Lee’s different ways of approaching a fight in the movie, there is also clever insight on the differences between Western and Eastern filmmaking, resulting in a wholly unique experience.
Rush Hour’s newfound popularity on Netflix further cements that older action films with plenty of heart and creativity can still outdo the modern era of blockbusters and streaming titles that mimic what has come before. Whether looking for lighthearted entertainment or seeking out a film for some late-90s nostalgia, Rush Hour is one of the more engaging options in the streaming service’s library. While the two sequels in the series aren’t as well-received as the original film, they are also available to stream on Netflix, as well as other Jackie Chan action films such as The Foreigner. With Rush Hour 4 potentially on the way, now is as good a time to watch the action movie classic.
- Release Date
-
September 18, 1998
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