Reliving the Glory Days: A Buddy Cop Throwback
This film is an action-comedy time capsule, seemingly unearthed from the treasure trove of early '90s cinema. It’s brimming with the kind of jokes that were commonplace back then, a decent amount of action sequences, and, most importantly, a generous serving of nostalgia that will hit you right in the feels.
The plot kicks off with veteran Atlanta cop James (Ice Cube) stumbling upon some sensitive data while apprehending a criminal – the contents of his flash drive. This data is encrypted by a skilled hacker hiding out in Miami. Authorization is granted, and James sets off to the Magic City. However, his overly enthusiastic and somewhat annoying brother-in-law, Ben (Kevin Hart), an aspiring police officer, is determined to tag along, viewing the mission as his chance to shine. James is less than thrilled, doubting Ben’s abilities, but ultimately decides to let him experience the realities of police work firsthand, leading to predictable chaos and, of course, comedic gold.
A Nostalgic Trip Back to the VHS Era
For those of us who grew up in the '80s and early '90s, this film might just trigger a powerful wave of nostalgia.
It’s a textbook buddy cop movie from an era when VHS tapes were labeled “awesome” and comedies were “super.” Think back to a time when cops casually demolished half the city during car chases, partners communicated exclusively through witty banter and insults, and villains couldn’t resist delivering elaborate monologues before attempting to pull the trigger. It’s like stepping back into childhood, where everything felt larger than life.
The idea of a film so deeply rooted in this specific style being produced in the mid-2010s seems almost anachronistic but the box office success suggests a significant audience for this type of comedy. The first “Ride Along” film was a massive success in America, grossing five times its budget.
Embracing the Familiar
Predictably, the sequel doesn’t quite reach the heights of the original, but the difference is hardly dramatic. In many ways, critiquing the film for using well-worn tropes feels almost unfair, given that its foundation is built upon clichés from decades past. Everything is recognizable, everything feels familiar. The setting has been updated featuring the sun-drenched beaches and iconic sights of Miami, reminiscent of “Miami Vice”, and the supporting cast has been refreshed, injecting new energy into the established dynamic. Olivia Munn, Ken Jeong, and Benjamin Bratt join the fray, with Bratt taking on the role of the primary antagonist.
Kevin Hart Steals the Show
“Ride Along 2” boasted a larger budget than its predecessor, but the action sequences might not necessarily showcase that increase. It’s quite possible that a significant portion of the funding landed in the paychecks of Ice Cube and, particularly, Kevin Hart. Hart serves as the movie’s main attraction, a talented stand-up comedian in the lineage of Marlon Wayans and Chris Tucker, and he truly earns his keep. While watching the entire film primarily for Hart might not be universally worthwhile, If you’re hit by a sudden yearning for the comedic action movies of the VHS era then this movie is just for you.