Friday (1995)

A comedy about two unemployed friends, Craig Jones (Ice Cube) and Smokey (Chris Tucker), that's set during one hot Friday in the hood. Craig is lazy and a bit of a moocher. Smokey is a small-time weed dealer. The duo sit on mismatched chairs on a porch, shooting the shit while watching passers-by and trying their best to keep a low profile with a 'you don't bother me and I won't bother you' attitude. But, as is often the case in neighbourhoods, unwanted interruptions aren't far away - one of which is Deebo (Tommy Lister).

Nothing much happens, but it's totally engaging. It's a bit Spike Lee, minus the crushing political weight. There are stereotypes, but they're clearly and purposefully written that way. And the small but important level of social commentary that surfaces elevates it above similar location-set comedies.

3½ rotations out of 5

Rush Hour 3 (2007)

Making it from the opening credits to the closing credits of the third instalment is a test of endurance. It's as if the writer didn't understand the characters, but it was written by the same guy that did the second film, so what happened? Did he do it the college way: wait until the last minute and pull an all-nighter? And what the hell was Polanski doing in it? Too many questions that I don't really want answers for.
There are rumours of a fourth entry. If it happens, please kill Carter.

1 waste of my time out of 5

Rush Hour 2 (2001)

The sequel that everyone knew would happen managed to improve upon the formulaic first entry in every way.
The stunts are more suited to Jackie's talents. There are even moments where it feels like one of his homegrown adventures.
Tucker is still an Eddie Murphy clone but is more tolerable than before; he gets some genuinely funny lines which helps.
Quips fuelled by the cultural differences between the two men once again provide much of the comedy; if you're of a sensitive nature you may even find some of it offensive.

3 egg rolls out of 5

Rush Hour (1998)

A buddy cop movie that teamed the inimitable Jackie Chan with the irritating Chris Tucker for some culture clash shenanigans.
It's Jackie at his most basic level: the comedy fish out of water character that takes a bit of a hammering during a fight but ultimately wins through sheer endurance. The only challenge he seems to have been presented with was the English dialogue.
Tucker on the other hand challenges the viewer in every scene. He's the flamboyant, loveable fool that I'd no love for. He was as welcome as an ex-girlfriend at a funeral.

2½ assumptions out of 5

SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK [2012]

Director David O. Russell goes against his usual and makes a quiet & sensitive little drama about mental illness in Silver Linings Playbook. 

Normally I haven't enjoyed Bradley Cooper in...well...anything but here he excels with a wonderfully layered performance opposite Jennifer Lawrence who is equally as good.  Backed by Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver, the actors all play off each other with exceptional believability.  It's a story that could have easily fallen into shitty rom-com territory but with the direction, characters and actors, the film rises far above that genre with the perfect amount of warmth and thoughtfulness.

4 midnight meat trains out of 5