Rush Hour 2

By RICHARD CORLISS

In this sub-ordinary sequel to the entertaining 1998 hit, a don't-invite-'em pair of cops--the serious one (Jackie Chan) from Hong Kong, the shrill one (Chris Tucker) from L.A.--do battle against malefactors of nearly every race. It's good to see Zhang Ziyi, the high-flying ingenue from Crouching Tiger, in a dragon-lady role, and fetching Roselyn Sanchez as a woman of uncertain loyalties. But until a vigorous climax, the action scenes have little punch. The film seems content to rely on the formula that could (small sigh) extend for a few more sequels: Jackie kicks butt; Chris kicks sass.

--By Richard Corliss