Today’s quick review: Ride Along. Ben Barber (Kevin Hart) has two dreams in life: to become a police officer, and to marry his girlfriend Angela (Tika Sumpter). Ben gets the chance at both when James Payton (Ice Cube), Angela’s brother and one of Atlanta’s toughest cops, takes him on a ride along to see what he’s made of. Now Ben has just one day to prove that he has what it takes to be a good cop and husband, despite all evidence to the contrary.
Ride Along is a buddy cop comedy about an aspiring police officer and the man he needs to impress. Kevin Hart stars as Ben, a likable loudmouth with none of the backbone or street smarts to be an effective officer. Ice Cube plays opposite him as James, a no-nonsense cop who disapproves of Ben and intends to subject him to the worst assignments the profession has to offer. The dynamic between them leads to the bulk of the film’s comedy.
Ride Along has a simple premise but uses it well. The titular ride along is an excuse to drop Ben in ridiculous situations that he must talk his way out of, while James judges from the sidelines. Kevin Hart carries the role of Ben and, with it, the movie. His routines hit a sweet spot: energetic but not hyperactive, boastful but not obnoxious, and inventive but not random. Watching Hart run with his character is the main draw of the film.
However, Ride Along does not have the depth of plot, character, or comedy to be a memorable watch. There’s just enough of a story to hold the movie together, but nothing more. Even when the story grows beyond a series of disconnected crimes, the roots aren’t deep enough to support a big finale. Kevin Hart also ends up pulling most of the film’s comedic weight. Ice Cube works well enough as a straight man but doesn’t add much on his own.
Watch Ride Along when you’re looking for an easy watch with a few good laughs and no real complications. Kevin Hart’s energetic peformance makes the film what it is, and those who appreciate his style of humor will enjoy what the film has to offer. Those looking for a substantive story, real action, or a more memorable comedic duo may want to steer clear.
For a buddy cop comedy with more action, try Rush Hour. For an action movie with another pair of mismatched leads, try Bad Boys. For a goofier take on the crime genre, try Police Academy. For a much darker, more dramatic movie with a similar premise, try Training Day.
6.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for fun but insubstantial comedy.