“Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?” said a perturbed Chris Tucker to an amused Jackie Chan in the 2001 hit buddy action film Rush Hour 2. It’s just one of many choice phrases renowned comedian/actor Tucker has exclaimed in box-office hits (who can forget all the hazy quotes Tucker’s weed-loving character, Smokey, said in the ’95 comedy Friday?) that have made him a household name. Tucker cut his teeth with standout performances on Def Comedy Jam and went on to become a star of the screen, with notable roles not only in the Rush Hour series but also in House Party 3, Money Talks, and, most recently, Silver Linings Playbook. Tucker faded from the limelight at the end of the past decade but has made a comedic comeback in the last couple of years — recently hosting the 2013 BET awards. His snarky, high-pitched delivery has kept many audiences paying close attention to every word that comes out of his mouth and reacting with overwhelming guffaws.
Sat., July 12, 8 p.m., 2014