The Rush Hour 2 Scene You Likely Didn't Know Was Inspired By Real-Life
"Rush Hour" proved itself as a global hit when it debuted in 1998. The film saw Hong-Kong action-comedy star Jackie Chan team up with Chris Tucker for the first time. The film was praised for its action sequences and breaking cultural boundaries through humor. After the film grossed over $240 million worldwide (via Box Office Mojo) in 1998, the duo returned for "Rush Hour 2."
Released in 2001 to mixed reviews, the Brett Ratner-directed sequel saw Chief Inspector Lee (Chan) and Detective James Carter (Tucker) visit Lee's native Hong Kong for vacation. The two required some much-needed downtime after their first explosive case but alas, things don't go as planned. Their international vacation, hijacked by nefarious forces, puts the duo back in action.
In "Rush Hour 2," the friends-turned-partners find themselves investigating a conspiracy involving a bombing at the U.S embassy that led to two customs agents being murdered. Despite the new case eating up their vacation time, the dynamic duo still finds opportunities to enjoy Hong Kong, which leads to one of the most memorable moments in the entire "Rush Hour" franchise.
Chris Tucker puts on his best Michael Jackson impersonation
One of the funniest moments in the "Rush Hour" sequel is when Lee and Carter end up at a bar during their ongoing investigation. There, a man assaults Carter's ears with an off-tune, off-beat karaoke rendition of Michael Jackson's "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough." The LA police detective decides to sing the tune himself, putting on his best Jackson impression — leg swinging and all.
The scene highlighted Tucker's chameleon-like ability to deliver great impressions. It turns out that the career highlight was reportedly inspired by Tucker and Chan's various nights out in Hong Kong at karaoke bars with friends, according to Hot 97. Tucker would sing Michael Jackson's tracks, which eventually influenced the hilarious scene.
During a 2001 concert, documented in the television special "Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration," Tucker recounted how Jackson felt about his impression of him. "He said, 'I just wanna call you and tell you, I've seen your movie 'Rush Hour 2,' and you're kicking with the wrong leg ... Stop making me look bad,'" the comedian relayed to a sold-out crowd in New York City's Madison Square Garden.
Tucker and Jackson's friendship was heavily publicized in the 2000s. It's fitting that one of Tucker's most memorable scenes as an actor serves as a tribute and hilarious parody of his close friend.