That someone would stoop to ripping off "Rush Hour" was inevitable. That it would take so long and come in such a mediocre form as "Double Take" wasn't.
Make no mistake; despite claims that the film's inspiration was the 1957 film "Across the Bridge," and similarities to such other films as "Trading Places" and "Silver Streak," it's clear this pointless and unfunny action-comedy is meant to capitalize on the success of "Rush Hour" (it was even produced by that film's director, Brett Ratner).
Ironically, what the filmmakers have come up with here is a pale imitation of a movie that was a pale imitation to begin with (compare the two "48 HRS." films, as well as "Beverly Hills Cop").
But no matter how you feel about helium-voiced "Rush Hour" star Chris Tucker, he's no Eddie Murphy. And unfortunately for audiences, this film's stars, Pepsi pitchman Orlando Jones and pipsqueak comedian Eddie Griffin, are no Chris Tucker.
Jones is Daryl Chase, a successful New York investment banker who suddenly finds himself on the run when he's framed for murder and laundering money for a Mexican drug cartel.
He has few people to turn to and finds himself in the company of Freddy Tiffany (Griffin, from "Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo"), a fast-talking con man who may be more than he appears.
This rather uneasy "odd couple" can't be together in the same place for more than 15 minutes before they start arguing. But they're going to have to settle their differences if they're going to survive.
So the two men agree to swap identities as they make their way to Mexico, where Daryl hopes to find evidence to clear his name. At the same time, they're being tracked by the police, the CIA and other menacing figures.
Frankly, this material is a tremendous comedown for director/screenwriter George Gallo, whose films have included the similarly themed (but infinitely more entertaining) "Midnight Run."
Here, he appears to have little or no control over his two comic stars, who seem to be making the movie up as they go along.
All of which would be fine if Jones and Griffin's performances were even remotely funny. But they're not. And there's a certain meanness to much of the humor and even a slightly racist tone.
"Double Take" is rated PG-13 for strong violence (mostly gunfire), frequent use of profanity and racial epithets, brief vulgarity (gestures) and glimpses of nude artwork (on a watch face). Running time: 88 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com