Rush Hour 2

The infinitely likable Jackie Chan and the infinitely grating Chris Tucker re-team in Hong Kong for this half-baked, ham-fisted odd-couple buddy cop sequel in which they're hot on the trail of a Triad counterfeiting ring. Slapdash scripting and single joke themes are structured entirely around Tucker's loud-mouthed hyperactive antics, but the banter between Chan and Tucker hasn't an ounce of spirit and even the action scenes feel stale and lethargic. Some of Chan's charm comes through anyway, but the only real entertainment value comes in the outtakes that accompany the closing credits: if the scripted stuff had been one-fifth as funny as these goofs, the movie might have been worthwhile. Not recommended. (R. Blackwelder)