What Do The Critics Say?

"Criticize Ratner as a Hollywood brat, but the man can capture a scene of circus-like velocity unlike many of his generation. Hustling around the frame, spanking cities such as Los Angeles and Paris as Carter and Lee tear up the streets, "Hour 3" plays unswervingly to expectations, but they’re deliciously frenzied expectations with dynamite results." Brian Orndorf FILMJERK "The yin-yang combo of these two stars has always been the heart of the franchise. They don't just look funny together, they sound funny together." Peter Rainer CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR "Sure, the jokes are crude and the plot is goofy, but Chan and Tucker have such a delightful rapport that they come close to perfecting the buddy-cop genre." N.V. Cooper E! ONLINE "Wild, funny and over-the-top action!" Jeffrey K. Howard MOVIE GUYS "This movie makes a fine replacement for the previous two installments. They've all been directed with lots of affection by the incurably average Brett Ratner, who sets his climactic fight atop the Eiffel Tower and demonstrates how the French flag can double as a parachute." Wesley Morris BOSTON GLOBE "By no means is it a great movie, but it is great slapstick fun, one of summer's guilty pleasures. Chan is no longer the athlete and martial artist he once was. But he has a few sequences; including a foot chase through downtown L.A. up and across freeway ramps; that would take your breath away if you weren't already gasping from laughter." Carrie Rickey PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

"It’s been six years since the last time Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker collaborated but like that comfortable pair of old slippers, the duo’s latest "Rush Hour 3" proves once again to be the perfect marriage of intense action and side-splitting comedy. The boys have still got it. May not be the best of the bunch, but it delivers everything fans should expect: great action, hilarious scenes and that yearning for another chapter in the adventures of Carter and Lee." Jeffrey Lyles THE GAZETTE "Villains pop up from nowhere at just the right time, random beautiful girls happen to play a major part in the plot, Roman Polanski makes a cameo as a French cop. Do you watch a Rush Hour film for plot? No; you watch it for Chris Tucker getting hit in the face, Jackie Chan hitting people in the face and stunts where they could either kill themselves or others. It was entertaining, so sue me." Stuart McGurk THE LONDONPAPER "You've got to hand it to Brett Ratner. He knows how to make a formula comedy breeze by in an efficient 90 minutes." Eric Melin SCENE-STEALERS "It may have taken six years to get Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker back together but the chemistry is still there." Pete Hammond MAXIM "At the risk of eternal damnation on the Internet, I admit to laughing at; even feeling momentarily touched by; Rush Hour 3." Desson Thomson WASHINGTON POST "As the film's crackerjack set-pieces played out, I found myself purposefully tuning out the story and concentrating on what mattered: the remarkably right chemistry between motormouth wisecracker Chris Tucker and ideal straight man/stunt extraordinaire Jackie Chan. "Rush Hour 3" is goofy, ridiculous, far-fetched, politically-incorrect, and even anti-American in the way French cab driver views the U.S. as a breeding ground for killers and war mongers. "Rush Hour 3" is more of the same, only better." Dustin Putman THEMOVIEBOY.COM

The Inside Story Since making their debut as partners in 1998's "Rush Hour", Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker have become the world’s most entertaining, if unlikely, cinematic duo. "Chris is truly a comedic genius," says director Brett Ratner. "He’s an incredibly gifted comedian, a guy who can say anything and make it funny. And it’s not even in the words – his face is better than a thousand words. Jackie Chan is another type of genius. Working with Jackie, I feel like I’m a part of cinema history. He’s like Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd all wrapped into one; the most experienced, talented physical performer I’ve ever worked with. You can’t take your eyes off of them, you really care about them. This is not something I created; it’s something that just exists." "It never gets boring," says Chris Tucker. "Once we get together, we make each other laugh so much, and we’re friends in real life, so the comedy comes out of situations we’re in. I’ve been a big fan of Jackie’s since before we started doing these movies. I’m always excited when I go to the set and see him. We’re a good team, always creating new stuff to do together, and that’s the fun of these movies." “Just like in the movie, we didn’t know each other when we began shooting the first Rush Hour," says Chan. "I’m from Hong Kong, Chris is from Los Angeles. Now, we’re buddies. We always have fun together." After the phenomenal success of 1998’s Rush Hour and 2001’s Rush Hour 2, the filmmakers relished the opportunity to once again bring in screenwriter Jeff Nathanson to create the architecture for the continuing adventures of Carter and Lee. "I think the Rush Hour films are about two guys who have a great friendship," Nathanson says. "None of us wanted to do a carbon copy sequel. We like to stay true to the characters and the growth of their friendship, but we really look at this as a stand-alone film." Producer Arthur Sarkissian doesn't see the "Rush Hour" films as sequels. "I look at them as a continuation of these two guys and their evolution throughout their lives, whether it’s a week together or six years apart. You just let the characters tell their story. They’ve known each other for years, and Brett knows them like the back of his hand. I trust him implicitly, and I think this one is the best "Rush Hour" yet." Producer Roger Birnbaum notes that while the films coudn't be made without Chan or Tucker, they also couldn't have been made without Director Brett Ratner. "He is just as important to the magic of these films as they are. He controls the energy masterfully. Sometimes it gets a little crazy, sometimes it gets a little wild, but it’s always fun. And Jeff Nathanson is the fourth musketeer on this project. He’s one of the funniest writers, and knows Jackie and Chris so well. He knows what they want as the characters and understands what Brett wants as well." Tucker explained that it's the controlled chaos that forms the heart of the films, the atmosphere that fuels him. "Brett is like the trainer for Muhammad Ali. He keeps pushing and pushing because he knows he can get it out of you. We work well as a team. We’re good friends and we can say anything to each other, and Brett always listens to us. It’s a good partnership." "I love the energy on the set of Rush Hour," says Ratner. "I think the positivity and fun are apparent in the making of the movie as well. You see people really caring and really trying. I feel so secure making these movies because my producers, who have been with me from the first movie, really understand what it takes to make a great Rush Hour movie, and they back me one hundred percent. A movie of this scope and size needs a lot of hands on deck. Jamie Freitag, my assistant director, I’ve never done a film without him and he works harder than anybody I’ve ever seen. Everyone around me really loves this movie and loves what they’re doing." Chan revealed he was happy to be back on the set. "I was so happy to go to the set. I don’t want to be on holiday. I always want to be on the set because I see so many good people, many from the first two Rush Hour films. We’re the same group, the same family." So what's new in "Rush Hour 3". Joining the cast is acclaimed Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada. He plays Chief Inspector Lee's brother Kenji. Sanada and Chan have been friends for over 20 years, yet surprisingly, this is the first time the two worked together. "I love this role of an evil, mean man," says Sanada, "and Jackie is a great opponent. Kenji does not want to fight Lee, but Triads and police have to fight, so each action and each movement has a different meaning and emotion." "Jackie and Hiroyuki make their scenes together so emotional, you buy the connection between them," Ratner said. "And this really goes to the heart of the story. These scenes are very intense for Jackie. Hiroyuki plays his adopted brother, who is the bad guy, so the conflict in his character is so strong. And without Jackie’s and Hiroyuki’s talents it would never come across so strong." Rush Hour fans will remember Ambassador Han and his daughter Soo Yung. Soo Yung, who was kidnapped in the original film, is now grown-up. Rising Chinese film star Zhang Jingchu ("Peacock" and "Jade Warrior" ["Jadesoturi"]) was cast as Soo Yung. She is reunited with Detective Carter and Inspector Lee when an assassination attempt is made on her father life. "She is a strong girl, a tough girl," says Yung, "just like the little girl in the first Rush Hour." "Ambassador Han is a very good friend," notes Chan. "Lee always protects him, and as his daughter grew up, Lee taught her how to fight. He wants to protect Han and Soo Yung, and find out who’s behind it, in order to save their lives." After a bedside drama, the guys are 'on the job'. Their first stop is at Soo Yung's Martial Arts School where they run into a giant of a man. He's played by seven foot nine inch, three hundred pound Chinese basketball star Sun Ming Ming, who plays for the Maryland Nighthawks. "Nicest guy you’ll ever meet, but the tallest guy I’ve ever seen in my life," says Chris Tucker. "Taller than any basketball player, but nicer than all of them." Tucker says "The ensuing fight between Sun Ming Ming and Chan is one of the classic scenes." "It’s a funny scene. It’s got great action and great humor. Everything about it is fun and represents what this movie is about," says Ratner, "comedy, drama, action, martial arts and great characters." In "Rush Hour", Lee was the Hong Kong cop out of his element in The U.S.A. In the second film, Carter had to negotiate Hong Kong. Rush Hour 3 takes the team to Paris, where both are out of sorts."We take two strangers in a strange land and put them into this real environment," producer Arthur Sarkissian revealed. "Chris and Jackie are scene-stealers, so I wanted to surround them with actors that command attention, or else they will become invisible," says Ratner. "When you put a cast of phenomenal international actors in a scene with them, it just raises their game." Max von Sydow ("The Exorcist" and "Three Days Of The Condor") plays World Criminal Court leader, Varden Reynard. "I sent him the script, not really expecting him to agree to do it because I know he is very selective," Ratner recalls. "I was so excited when he accepted." Von Sydow says Ratner "is a man of great energy, enthusiasm and generosity, and has a great sense of humor and of timing." Tucker says when Von Sydow came on the set, "it’s like King Arthur is visiting. I was almost scared to talk to him, and then he warmed up to me and I was calling him Mister." Von Sydow's response was "No, call me Max." French actor and filmmaker Yvan Attal was cast as cab driver George. "This film plays with the French and American relationship," says Attal. "I play this grumpy French cab driver who hates Americans, and Lee and Carter get into his cab at the airport. They are like fish out of water; one is American, the other Chinese, but then on top of that, they’re going to another country where everything is strange to them." "Yvan didn’t go for the easy joke with this role," says Ratner. "His character is a guy who starts off hating Americans, but by the end he wants to kill somebody." Attal says the greatest challenge of working with Chan and Tucker was keeping a straight face. "It’s like I’m in the audience," he said. "I have them in my cab, I look at them in the mirror, and I want to laugh." It wouldn't be a Rush Hour without beautful women and included amongst them are two stunning actresses. Youki Kudoh stars as Jasmine, the deadly club owner who tangles with Lee in her exclusive underground French club, Chandelle. "Jasmine works exquisitely," says Kudoh. "She kills exquisitely. That is her homage for Kenji, her boss. To be so cold-blooded is a way to show her love towards him. It’s kind of sad, but at the same time, it’s rewarding for her." "I’ve known Youki a long time," says Chan. "She’s not a fighter, but in the film we have to make her a killer, just like Zhang Ziyi was in "Rush Hour 2". But she’s very good, and she learned so quick." Rising French actress Noémie Lenoir stars as the alluring Genevieve. "I really wanted to have a love interest," says Tucker. "So, they cast this beautiful French actress, Noémie Lenoir, and she’s fantastic." "Noémie is absolutely right for Genevieve because she is very tough but effortlessly so," says producer Arthur Sarkissian. "So, though what you see is this beautiful, glamorous woman, you believe that she’s tied up with the Triads." Acclaimed director Roman Polanski, who won an Oscar® for "The Pianist", makes a cameo in Rush Hour 3 as French Police Inspector Revi. An enthusiastic Ratner notes, "Apart from being a great director, Roman is one of my favorite actors of all time. Of the opening Paris scene Ratner says, "To have him in the room with Jackie and Chris was one of the highlights of making this movie, and that scene is one of my favorites." Synopsis

In the heart of Paris, France lies a deadly secret. Half a world away in Los Angeles, Ambassador Han is about to disclose it. In his possession is explosive new evidence about the inner workings of the Triads; the most powerful and notorious crime syndicate in the world. The Ambassador has discovered the identity of Shy Shen, the very crux of the wide-ranging crime ring, and he's about to reveal it to the World Criminal Court, until he is silenced by an assassin's bullet. The Triads will go to any lengths to make sure their secrets stay buried, and there's only one hope for stopping them. LAPD Detective Carter and Chinese Inspector Lee are back--back where they don't belong. The unlikely duo is headed to the City of Lights to stop a global criminal conspiracy and save the life of an old friend, Ambassador Han's now-grown daughter, Soo Yung. They don't know the city, the language or even exactly what they're looking for, but their race will take them across the city, from the depths of the Paris underground to the breathtaking heights of the Eiffel Tower, as they fight to outrun the world's most deadly criminals and hopefully, can save the day.

The Verdict "Over the years millions of cinemagoers have grown to love Jackie Chan. With "Rush Hour 3" that love affair only gets better. Once again Chan teams up with his co-star of "Rush Hour 1 & 2" Chris Tucker, to bring us another 'fun' outing, and isn't that what we expect from any movie involving these two? The teaming of Tucker and Chan for 1998's "Rush Hour" was ingenious. Their characters Detective James Carter and Chief Inspector Lee, immediately winning the hearts of fans and raising both actors popularity to new levels. But life after "Rush Hour 2" has had a different face for both actors. Chan's career continued on with roles in films such as: "The Tuxedo", "Shanghai Knights" and "Around the World in 80 Days". Tuckers abscene from the big-screen is because, as he says, "nothing came by that sparked my interest." "Rush Hour 3" has everything that made its predeccesors so successful. The final chapter which unfolds on that famous Paris icon The Eiffel Tower is a real 'rush'. If you're a Chan & Tucker fan you won't be disappointed. "Rush Hour 3" is pure fun, spectacular fun and yes, action-packed. 4 STARS." Cast & Crew Bytes "RUSH HOUR 3" stars .......
1999 & 2002 MTV Movie Award winner Chris Tucker ["Friday", "The Fifth Element", "Jackie Brown" and "Rush Hour 1 & 2"]; 1992 & 1992 Golden Horse Film Festival Best Actor Award winner Jackie Chan ["Police Story", "Shanghai Noon", "Shanghai Knights", "The Medallion" and "Around the World in 80 Days"]; 1982 & 2003 Japanese Academy Award winner Hiroyuki Sanada ["The Last Samurai", "The White Countess" and "Sunshine"]; 1985 Yokohama Film Festival Best New Actress Award winner Youki Kudoh ["Snow Falling on Cedars", "Blood" and "Memoirs of a Geisha"]; Max von Sydow ["Judge Dredd", "Snow Falling on Cedars" and "Minority Report"]; Noémie Lenoir ["Payoff", "After The sunset" and "The Valet"] and 1989 Acteurs à l'Écran Prix Michel Simon Award & 1990 Most Promising Actor César Award winner Yvan Attal ["Bon Voyage", "The Interpreter", "Munich" and "The Candidate"] as George.
"RUSH HOUR 3" was .......
directed by Brett Ratner ["The Family Man", "Red Dragon", "After The Sunset", "X-Men: The Last Stand" and "Rush Hour 1, 2 & 3"]; screenplay by Jeff Nathanson ["Rush Hour 2", "Catch Me If You Can" and "The Terminal"]; set decoration by Kate J Sullivan ["Bad Boys", "The Jackal", "Starsky & Hutch" and "Monster House"]; costume design by Betsy Heimann ["Pulp Fiction", "Jerry Maguire"Be Cool" and "Lady in the Water"]; production design by Ed Verreaux ["Contact", "Jurassic Park III", "The Scorpion King" and "Starsky & Hutch"]; art direction by Chad S Frey [set designer on "Runaway Jury", "Memoirs of a Geisha", "Mission: Impossible III" and "Transformers"]; cinematography by J Michael Muro ["Open Range", "Crash", "Flicka" and "The Last Mimzy"]; original music by Five time BMI Film & TV Award winner Lalo Schifrin ["The Beverly Hillbillies", "Rush Hour 1 & 2" and "After the Sunset"]. Who's Who?

Chris Tucker Jackie Chan Hiroyuki Sanada Youki Kudoh Max von Sydow Yvan Attal Noémie Lenoir Jingchu Zhang Tzi Ma Roman Polanski Henry O Michael Chow M Kentaro Andrew Quang

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Detective James Carter Chief Inspector Lee Kenji Dragon Lady Varden Reynard George Genevieve Soo Yung Ambassador Han Detective Revi Master Yu Chinese Foreign Minister French Assassin Kung Fu Kid

Run Time 90 minutes Rated M [AUST] Copyright ©2007 - New Line Cinema - All Rights Reserved ©2007 All Rights Reserved - Protected by Australian & International Copyright. Trademark Laws Apply.