TIFF ’23: The Burial

I think every actor wants to do a courtroom drama, to voice their objections, to thunder at a witness during cross-examination, to let that look play across their face that suggests they may have just found a way to win the case. Then, when you throw in the fact that the case you’re bringing to…

Hill Street Blues (1985) – G.Q., and Queen For a Day

Hill (Michael Warren) and Renko (Charles Haid) need some time apart after the shooting, Hill takes some administrative duty but their relationship is incredibly strained now. In fact, Hill thinks that Renko may be too dangerous, and a bad cop and won’t be there for his partner. Renko is furious with Hill and it’s going…

Rush Hour 3 (2007) – Brett Ratner

So the racism is a little toned down (not much), but the sexism is still on display as Lee (Jackie Chan) and Carter (Chris Tucker) return for a third (and final?) go-round. Things get underway when Lee finds himself back in Los Angeles, serving as security for his old friend Ambassador Han (Tzi Ma). Han…

Rush Hour 2 (2001) – Brett Ratner

So the racism, sexism and homophobia are back on display in the follow-up to the break-out hit, Rush Hour. Rush Hour 2 brings Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker back into action as Lee and Carter in a sequel that looks worlds better than the first but is still steeped in the same racist issues as…

Rush Hour (1998) – Brett Ratner

I wasn’t a big fan of Rush Hour when it first came out. I didn’t see it in theatres or take it home on video (despite the countless free rentals we got working in a video store) and I was a little bothered to hear that Chris Tucker got paid more than Jackie Chan did…

The Equalizer (1989) – Heart of Justice, and Race Traitors

McCall (Edward Woodward) finds himself on the hunt for a vigilante after an innocent man is arrested for his crimes. Heart of Justice is a very dark story. Written by Gail Morgan Hickman this episode was first broadcast on 11 May, 1989. Michael Gianelli (John Shepherd) wants revenge on the two serial rapists (including Paul…

The Equalizer (1986) – Counterfire, and The Line

Counterfire is packed with familiar faces, Vincent D’Onofrio, William Hickey, Leonardo Cimino and another appearance by Robert Lansing as Control. Written by Scott Shepherd and Coleman Luck, this episode was first broadcast on 19 November, 1986. McCall (Edward Woodward) finds himself on the back foot when he finds himself on the run, as someone frames…