When the first Rush Hour landed back in 1998, Jackie Chan was riding high on his recent explosion of popularity in mainstream America. Recent outings such as Rumble in the Bronx, Supercop, and First Strike were proving to be hits and his stock in the West was rising. It only made sense to put him in an English language film to capitalize on that newfound fame.

At the same time, Chris Tucker's stock was rising with turns in Friday, Fifth Element, and Money Talks. It seemed like the perfect idea to pair up a guy who does not speak English all that well with a guy who never shuts up. The result was a fun buddy comedy which delivered big laughs and big action. Three years later, director Brett Ratner brought the duo back in an equally good sequel. Now, it has been six years since we last saw them together, and six years since Tucker has been on the big screen. This time the result is much less satisfying.

As Rush Hour 3 starts, James Carter (Tucker) is doing his duty as an LAPD officer by directing traffic. Of course, he is doing this in his own style, singing and dancing until he inadvertently causes an accident. At the same time, Inspector Lee (Chan) is accompanying Ambassador Han (Tzi Ma, reprising his role from the first Rush Hour) to World Criminal Court. It is a big day for Han, as he plans to reveal the leader of the Triads. Before he is able to make the announcement, he is he victim of an attempted assassination. This leads to a chase in old school Jackie style, which is as unlikely as it is exciting.

The chase takes him right by the intersection where Carter is screwing things up. Upon seeing Lee race by, Tucker joins the chase, thereby reuniting our buddy cops and allowing the "plot" to begin in earnest. The two visit Han in the hospital and learn of a secret letter that Han sent his daughter, Soo Yung (Jingchu Chang). In typical buddy comedy fashion, Carter and Lee team up (despite Carter being told no) to find the letter and catch the assassin.

The chase leads them to Paris, where they are greeted by Roman Polanski playing a rather thorough police inspector. After that discomfort, they team up with an America-hating cabbie as they search Paris for the Triads and their mysterious leader. Along the way Tucker lets loose a non-stop barrage of one liners and quips, while Lee just roles his eyes and does most of the required fighting.