BY: GURU JAY
There is a method to the madness of comedy. Madman Chris Tucker started his career addressing poverty, drugs, and crime. Now, as one of the richest celebrities, the Money Talks star can’t complain about money anymore. Or can he?
If you want to know what happened to his finances, watch Chris Tucker Live. Tucker fell in the same trap as thousands of other celebrities. He bought two houses right next door to each other. Like most celebs, Chris wasted his hard earned cash.
Still, the crafty comic finds a way to laugh at his mistakes. All the greats fall short of glory. When fans glorify celebrity money, they don’t take expenses in account. All those exotic women, trips, and Lamborghinis cost money. Because of his experiences, Chris not only laughs it off, he writes it off on his tax forms.
I love comedy. And so, I keep track of the best comedians. I believe Tucker is one of the greatest to ever perform. Everyone has seen his movies. But, have you seen his standups?
First, I analyze his most recent standup. Then, I discuss the Rush Hour trilogy and Friday. I conclude with my final thoughts about his career. So, sit back and relax, because at GuruJay.com Chris Tucker is in full effect.
Chris Tucker Live
Right now, you can watch Chris Tucker’s new standup special on Netflix. Chris Tucker Live proves why he is still one of the best comics. If you want original comedy, then check this out. You won’t want to miss this exciting ride along.
His opening routine is crazy, wild, and fun. Initially, Chris joked about marriage, sex, and dating. Then, he discussed his family life, in particular the challenging nature of raising his son as a single father. As Chris matures, so does his story. Although the comic is admittedly foolish, he’s wiser now.
Later on in Chris Tucker Live, he explains dealing with trust issues. The McDonald drive thru window skit is hilarious. There is nothing like Chris Tucker’s euphoric stage presence. Before he utters a word you want to chuckle.
Chris Tucker talks about everything including his love life and financial problems. As usual, he mocks Wesley Snipes, who was sentenced for tax evasion. Clearly, the comedian channels greats Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy.
Old Man Tucker is a comedic scholar. If they were awarding PHDs in comedy, Tucker would receive the first one. Only Dave Chappelle is more knowledgeable on this subject matter. As great as Chappelle is, Dave hasn’t achieved Chris Tucker’s level of movie stardom.
A Familiar Scene
While coming to the stage, Chris Tucker starts dancing suggestively. After a few grooves he’s awed the crowd, particularly the young ladies. Everyone keeps laughing all night long. You see Chris can make anybody crack a smile.
A comedian is only as good as his jokes. And Tucker has outstanding material. Maybe, he hired Chappelle’s writers to write his lines. More importantly, he was comfortable and prepared for battle.
Nonetheless, he tickled those funny bones nonstop. I doubt anyone asked for a refund because it lasted more than 1 hour and 30 minutes. Normally, standup is edited for 1 hour, but this was a special occasion. Mr. Tucker had to set the record straight, because rumors of all kinds were circulating worldwide.
When reputations are on the line, people automatically assume the worst things. Despite a media spanking, Chis Tucker brought his butt back to comedy in extraordinary fashion. Was he wearing a custom fitted suit? Believe me, all the single ladies were paying close attention to his wardrobe and ring finger.
Upcoming comics should take notice of how revealing Tucker was about his personal pitfalls. At the same time, he was unapologetic because you grow from your mistakes. In a sense, he took everybody to church.
Make no mistake; Chris Tucker made a momentous comeback. Your funnyman demonstrated why he’s worth watching. Hopefully, he can uses this momentum to fuel more blockbusters. Who wants to see Friday 4or Rush Hour 4?
Of course, the BET Awards host presented many Michael Jackson jokes. As you may know, he and the King of Pop were friends. This time he brings Barry Gibb into the mix.
Let me paraphrase his joke for you. Michael and Chris went over to the Bee Gees singer’s house to watch the Oscars. Out of nowhere Barry Gibb and Michael Jackson start singing How Deep Is Your Love. That’s when Chris comes in, and Michael instantly stops him.
He tells him, “Chris no, Chris- stick with the jokes.” If you are a music/comedy fan this was one of the event’s highlights for you.
Although Tucker didn’t talk about Jackie Chan, he described their relationship in several interviews and past standups. One reason Tucker owed all those taxes is due to his financial success with the Rush Hour trilogy.
You know Rush Hour lovers are waiting for this unique pair to reprise their defining roles. He did, however, discuss Ice Cube and the remote possibility of filming another Friday movie.
Fortunately, Chris stated he is current on his taxes. You must respect how comics willingly discuss their personal lives. Most people are embarrassed to owe the IRS. But, the courageous Chris Tucker could care less about what people think.
Furthermore, Chris Tucker is a tough comic. There isn’t a tougher entertainment business than comedy. You won’t get far without paying your dues. I’m certain in the past Chris got booed off stage. Even Dave Chappelle occasionally hears boos from his crowds.
Certain things come with the territory. Making your mark requires patience. Luckily, Chris Tucker persevered. His experience as an entertainer is on full display in Chris Tucker Live. If you want to see more of his standups, check out his Def Comedy Jam specials.
Before becoming famous, he might have been funnier. When a man is hungry for success, he digs deep down because his stomach aches. Chris’s earlier work will have your guts cramping. I don’t believe he knew how successful he would ultimately become.
Tucker should trademark his high-pitched voice, which disguises his Southern accent. Did you know he filmed his latest special in front of his hometown Atlanta, Georgia? That’s why the audience is screaming like little bitches. Still, he would have received great responses any place. He is applauded everywhere, because he is an international sensation.
Whose star shines brighter in comedy than Chris Tucker’s? What is more, he built a durable brand. Don’t you like how he organizes his jokes? He feeds his fans like chocolate craving spoiled toddlers. Chris is elite because he mastered crowd control and gives you what you love.
Rush Hour
I was still in elementary school when Rush Hour released. It’s one of the first Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan films I recall watching. Moreover, the first Rush Hourwas action-packed because of Jackie Chan, and comedy-filled because of Chris Tucker. Give credit to casting for securing this dynamic combination.
Every director desires to duplicate Rush Hour, because it represents popular culture. Think about how many drivers get stuck in rush hour traffic everyday. This fast-paced society constantly searches for shortcuts in everything. Plus, saving time is invaluable.
Also, the movie introduces other civilizations to Chinese beliefs, customs, and traditions. In a way, Chris Tucker is an unofficial comedy ambassador to China. What is more, China likes him as an individual, not just as Jackie Chan’s sidekick. They think he’s Kobe Bryant.
Chris Tucker doesn’t need Jackie to walk the streets of Hong Kong, Beijing, or Songhai. Chinese people acknowledge Chis Tucker alone.
The following movie line is internationally known. “Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?” Instantly, movie lovers recognize that line from Rush Hour. There’s no need to play charades or Whose Line Is It Anyway?. Chris Tucker may not be an original king of comedy, but he’s a president.
I highly recommend watching Rush Hour again. After that, why not watch part 2 and 3? Make it a marathon. Trust me, it’s a great idea.
Rush Hour is about bonding and brotherhood. Chris’s character LAPD officer James Carter doesn’t want a partner. But he finds a friend for life in Chinese policeman Lee played by Jackie Chan. Emotions run high as they attempt to rescue the Chinese council’s young daughter, who was kidnapped. They make a mess of Los Angeles in the process.
If you’re interested in martial arts, you’ll appreciate its fight scenes. Everyone realizes Jackie Chan’s mastery, but Chris surprisingly throws a few blows. You see, Chan does most of the work but Tucker receives all of the praise. Furthermore, this flick establishes Chris Tucker as a mega movie star.
Among my top 10 favorite comedy movies, Rush Hour ranks 2nd. It is an original script involving Chinese politics. In 1997, Hong Kong gained sovereignty from British imperial rule. The movie critiques diplomacy and foreign policy.
Meanwhile FBI Special Agent Ross assigns Chris Tucker to escort Jackie Chan away from it all. But Jackie travelled 10,000 miles, because the Council wanted his help in this matter. It takes time, but eventually Chris and Jackie team up together and solve the case. There are many memorable scenes. What are your favorites?
Rush Hour 2
In, Rush Hour 2 these two cop buddies think they’re working with the Secret Service. Once again, proper authorities try to keep Lee and Carter at a workable distance. “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” This time Roselyn Sanchez’s character pulls a wooly mammoth over their eyes.
Chris Tucker’s Rush Hour legacy is a lot like Eddie Murphy’s Beverly Hills Cop’s legacy. As expected, Tucker doesn’t slow down in Rush Hour 2. Although the original film was superior, the sequel is by no means a substandard production. This movie has incredible action!
The massage parlor scene is one my favorites. With all accounted for, there were 28 masseuses to choose from. Also, I won’t forget when officer Carter smashes gangster Ricky Tan’s laptop computer. After Lee and Carter kick all that ass, the mob still captures them.
Do you remember the karaoke scene? Does Chris Tucker sing and dance in every one of his movies? You see comedy combined with music produces wonders. Furthermore, Chris Tucker’s much-admired movies separate him from his contemporaries.
Irrespective of genres, the best movies have twists. In this installment, Ricky Tan fakes his death. Plus, for about 15 minutes Lee believes Carter died in a police station bombing. Gratefully, Lee and Carter secure the gold plates before the Triads flee to China.
Rush Hour 3
I saw Rush Hour 3 twice in theaters. I believe it’s one of the top 50 comedy movies of all time. Also, it’s one of the most well written scripts I’ve ever seen. The first Rush Hour is better than this one only by a slim margin.
Unity is the underlying theme of Rush Hour 3. In the words of Peaches & Herb, the excited Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan are “reunited, and it feels so good.” By now, Carter (Tucker) and Lee (Chan) have built a decade long friendship on the silver screen and in real life.
Oddly enough, the Chinese council became an ambassador. Apparently, there was a governmental change. Politics, specifically corruption, is an important subplot of this lucrative trilogy. Brilliantly, the 3rd installment incorporates France into the story. For the first time, Rush Hour 3is filmed in French and Japanese along with English and Mandarin.
Noticeably, Chris Tucker has adopted the Chinese lifestyle onscreen and off. However, his love interest French model Noemi Lenoir has foolish Chris speaking French at times. Lee is holding a grudge, because Carter caused his breakup with Sanchez. There is a lot of tension and unanswered questions.
In summary, the Rush Hour series is Chris Tucker’s magnum opus. In total, Tucker made $20 million for Rush Hour 2, and $25 million for Rush Hour 3. After an eight-year layoff, I believe there will be another installment. Who knows what screenwriters will come up with next?
Friday
Real Chris Tucker fans prize the comedian’s contribution to Friday. This breakthrough movie made Tucker famous. Chris plays Smokey, who is a drug dealer with a marijuana addiction. Ice Cube stars as Craig, who loses his job on his day off. Faizon Love (Big Worm) demands payment from Smokey or else.
And then there’s Dee Bo, the main antagonist. He has the whole neighborhood terrified because he’s “some kind of super thug.”
If you enjoy stoner comedies, you’ll like Friday. Whenever Chris Tucker travels, he is always reminded about his Smokey part. Without Tucker, Next Friday features Mike Epps, famous for playing cousin Day Day.
Although in the end, Craig is still unemployed; he gets the girl- none other than Nia Long. Finally, Smokey pays his debt to the Menace 2 Society. This shows success stories are possible. Stepping out on faith, man can conquer his lifetime quest. Moreover, Chris Tucker’s comedy has changed, because he’s spiritually conscience now.
Without Friday, his legacy would be different. Chris gives a piece of himself in every character. That’s why reprising the role of Smokey could be difficult for him. However, money talks, and Chris likes greenbacks and talking.
Career Path
Throughout his entire career, Chris Tucker demonstrated that less equals more. The funnyman actually turned down valuable roles in pursuit of a bigger payday. Here’s an interesting read about it.
Isn’t it unforgettable whenever Tucker appears in a movie? Chris negotiates like Samuel L. Jackson in the Negotiator. ‘Compromise’ isn’t a word in his vocabulary. Yes, he missed out on prime opportunities but he kept his dignity.
Even in an economic recession, Chris was highly selective. You must know your market value, and never settle for less. Those CEOs want to pay you as little as possible. Educate yourself about the entertainment business. That’s exactly what Chris Tucker did.
Plus, by holding out celebs can amass fortunes. How many athletes wait until the deadline before signing $100 million contracts? In the 2015 NBA offseason DeAndre Jordan cancelled arrangements with Mark Cuban’s Dallas Mavericks.
Calculative Chris Tucker has his dominoes lined up in rows. All he needs to do is push it. You see the entertainment industry is peculiar. That’s why great entertainers are peculiar.
Moreover, Tucker made bold moves from the start. He’s pitching to himself, because he’s in a league of his own. This comedian has amazing velocity. With momentum on his side, he is unstoppable. Chris Tucker is in full effect.
I am Guru Jay launching into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!
Photos By: Wikimedia Commons
