Rush Hour 4: Mission: Stealing Christmas (2025) brings back the iconic duo of Detective James Carter (played by Chris Tucker) and Detective Inspector Lee (played by Jackie Chan) in a hilarious, action-packed holiday adventure that blends the Rush Hour series’ trademark humor with the festive chaos of Christmas. In this fourth installment, the unlikely partners find themselves caught in an international heist, where Christmas cheer is on the line, and it’s up to them to stop the Grinch-like criminals from ruining the holiday season.
The story begins with Carter and Lee enjoying their respective holiday breaks when a mysterious group of criminals, led by the ruthless Tina Krueger (played by Charlize Theron), plans to steal an ancient, priceless Christmas artifact from a highly secure museum in Paris. The artifact—an ancient relic known as The Star of Bethlehem—is said to have the power to unite the world’s most powerful leaders in peace. But Tina’s crew, led by a team of international thieves, plans to steal it in order to use it as leverage in a much darker plot to bring global chaos.
The film opens with the chaotic, action-packed scene of Carter and Lee being pulled back into action by Captain Han (played by Tzi Ma), their long-time superior, who needs them to travel to Paris for the case. As usual, Carter is more interested in the vacation aspect, while Lee is focused on justice and solving the crime. Their hilarious back-and-forth banter quickly sets the tone for the film, blending Chris Tucker‘s high-energy comedy with Jackie Chan’s martial arts expertise and impeccable timing.
The plot takes them across multiple European cities, from Paris to Prague, as they unravel a web of deception, dealing with corrupt art dealers, master thieves, and even a few quirky Santa Claus impersonators. As the duo digs deeper into the case, they realize that the heist isn’t just about stealing an artifact—it’s about manipulating world governments, and Tina Krueger has a much bigger plan in motion.
While Carter wants to stop the criminals, he also has his eyes on a lavish Christmas dinner, complete with extravagant presents, while Lee tries to keep everything focused on the mission. Their contrasting personalities lead to one hilarious misstep after another, including an infamous scene in a high-end Parisian bakery where Carter’s attempts to enjoy a peaceful holiday morning end in a comedic fight with a French chef—Chris Tucker’s fast-talking antics and Jackie Chan’s precise, calm martial arts moves steal the show in this scene.
As the heist progresses, the stakes get higher. The criminals plan to make their move on Christmas Eve, when world leaders gather at a global summit in Paris. Carter and Lee find themselves running against the clock to not only stop the heist but to protect the artifact and prevent Tina Krueger from using it to hold the world hostage. Along the way, they receive unexpected help from Sarah (played by Zoe Saldana), a tech expert who is able to help them track down the criminals, and Jean-Paul (played by Omar Sy), a local French police officer who has a secret crush on Sarah and who quickly gets roped into their chaotic mission.
The film’s high-energy action sequences are a blend of martial arts, car chases, and explosive stunts, each perfectly paired with Carter and Lee‘s witty dialogue. Whether it’s a fight in the Louvre, a high-speed chase through the streets of Paris, or an epic showdown in a Christmas-decorated palace, the action is packed with intensity and comedy. One memorable scene involves Carter and Lee crashing a Christmas party thrown by the criminals, where they must blend in with a room full of eccentric guests, all while planning their next move.
The emotional depth of the film is also present as Carter and Lee reflect on their partnership and the bond they’ve shared over the years. The film explores themes of family, friendship, and what really matters during the holiday season. Carter—always the optimist—reminds Lee that the holidays are about being with loved ones, while Lee—more serious and focused—learns that sometimes, it’s okay to slow down and enjoy life, even in the middle of an international heist.
The film’s humor is heightened by the presence of Carter‘s attempts to navigate European customs, language barriers, and culture shocks, with Lee often rolling his eyes at Carter’s antics. Their partnership continues to be one of the strongest elements of the franchise, and their playful dynamic keeps the audience laughing throughout the film.
The final act of Rush Hour 4: Mission: Stealing Christmas is a thrilling, emotional climax that brings the entire crew together for a high-stakes face-off with the criminals. The action is as intense as ever, but the heart of the film lies in the friendship between Carter and Lee. When the heist reaches its peak, both characters must make decisions that will shape the future of their partnership—and prove that the bond of family and loyalty is worth more than gold or power.
In the end, Carter and Lee manage to foil Tina Krueger‘s plot, rescue the artifact, and save Christmas for the world. The film ends with a heartwarming scene where the duo, along with their new allies, sit down to enjoy a Christmas meal together. It’s a moment of pure joy and camaraderie, reminding the audience that despite the chaos, the holidays are a time for family, forgiveness, and celebration.
Rush Hour 4: Mission: Stealing Christmas (2025) delivers everything fans love about the Rush Hour franchise: explosive action, hilarious dialogue, and a heartfelt message about friendship and family. With Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan bringing their A-game once again, this holiday-themed action-comedy is the perfect gift for fans of the series.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9/10) – A laugh-out-loud, action-packed holiday adventure that combines the best of Rush Hour with festive fun and unforgettable moments.
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