Everyone loves a good buddy cop movie franchise. Lethal Weapon, Bad Boys, and even Men In Black. Buddy cop movies always deliver amazing action scenes, some drama, and the humor is always on point. But what happens when the humor we thought was funny in ’98 is re-examined today?
In this article, we will be looking at the Rush Hour trilogy. Each film has moments that would be called into question today but it seems the older the film, the cringier the jokes. While there are lots of hilarious moments from all three films, you have to admit, some of the dialogue and actions are somewhat questionable. We can all agree what we found funny in 1998, 2001, and 2007 would simply not fly today.
16 Carter Calling Lee "Mr. Rice-A-Roni"
“I cannot believe this s**t! First, I get a bull**** job, now Mr. Rice-A-Roni, and he don’t even speak American!” Once again, Lee is being insulted based off the simple fact that he is Asian. On top of that Carter is used that Lee doesn't speak "American." American isn't even a language. Come on Rush Hour, do better.
15 Detective Carter's Very Transphobic Comments
So, Genevieve takes off her wig and reveals a tattoo on her bald head. Carter is shocked and shouts transphobic and homophobic comments at her...
"Holy mother of Jesus! She's a man! I went to second base with a damn French man! It's The Crying Game! I'm Brokeback Carter! Lee go over there and check the hardware! If she got anything bigger than a 3-iron we're gonna beat his ass!"
14 Half-Naked Girls On A Literal Display
One of the moments in Rush Hour 2 takes place at Heaven On Earth Massage Parlor. I would like to show you exact screenshots of this moment but like the heading says, it is literal half-naked girls on display where men pick them out like new pairs of shoes. 'Nough said.
13 Carter Proclaiming “All Y’all Look Alike!”
While getting their massages, Lee spots Ricky Tan, a very dangerous man. Carter being the hot head that he is challenges Tan to a fight. Unbeknownst to him, Tan has many, many henchmen ready to fight on his behalf. A fight ensues and Carter accidentally hits Lee, to which he replies, "All y'all look alike!"
12 When Inspector Lee Doesn’t Look Away When Isabella Is Undressing
Carter and Lee are staking out a hotel room that Isabella Molina is staying in. After a while she starts getting undressed. Instead of having some decency and looking away Lee continues to stare, wide-eyed, mouth agape. This one is pretty self-explanatory as to why this moment is just not ok.
11 Carter's Homophobic Insult
After walking around in the Las Vegas sewers, Carter and Lee need some new clothes. With the money they found in the truck, they walk into Versace. The employee is very flamboyant. When he tries to get Carter's waist measurements he flips out and screams “Watch it sweetness!” 19 years later and it's still as homophobic as ever.
10 Carter Ignorantly Yelling In Lee's Face
Since Detective James Carter is supposed to be outrageous, maybe the writers thought outrageous equals offensive. The first instance (and there are a lot that come from Carter) is the following: “Please tell me you speak English. I’m Detective Carter, do you speak-ah any English? Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?”
9 Carter Fat-Shaming A Girl
Rush Hour 3 starts off with Detective Carter directing traffic. He handcuffs two girls, one skinny and one big. The big girl yells that she wants a lawyer to which Carter replies: “You need a personal trainer! This license says 180 pounds, you weigh more than the damn car girl!” Way to start off the movie with some good ol' fat-shaming.
8 Carter Threatening To Dump Lee At Panda Express
Now that Carter realizes his super important assignment was a fluke he calls to complain to his boss. “I’m warning you Cap, you better call the FBI or I’m gonna drop his a** off at Panda Express.” You've got to shake your head at this one.
7 “Wassup My (n-word)?” – Inspector Lee
Now moments before this scene, Carter tells Lee to "do what I do." Of course, he isn't from America and doesn't realize the racial slurs that exist here. So, when Carter goes into the bar and greets the Black men there he says the n-word. Poor Lee, he sits down and repeats what Carter says and well, a giant fight ensues.
