Undercover Brothers..."Ride Along 2"

Ride Along 2 (2016)

Rated PG-13

Starring Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter, Benjamin Bratt, Olivia Munn, Ken Jeong,

Directed by Tim Story

The Story:

Ben (Hart) is getting married to Angela (Sumpter) soon, but before the wedding, he has to head to Florida with James (Cube) on assignment. There they begin to unravel a plot thanks to AJ (Jeong) that implicates a very wealthy businessman (Bratt) who the local police (Munn) refuse to believe could possibly be dirty.

In other words, if you enjoyed the first Ride Along, you should have just as good of a time, or better, on their latest trip.

I've enjoyed both films. They were good, but I'd like to see better by the time the 3rd one rolls around.

Ice Cube is great, as usual, and works really well with Kevin Hart.

Hart is an actor that has grown on me over the years, and I've enjoyed his performances more and more as I've watched him.

He's like a short Chris Tucker.

:)

Now put those two together in a movie, and let's see what happens.

Anyway, the movie is fun, the cast seems to have some genuine chemistry among them, and I'd happily return for the next ride if they're willing to make it.

That, or have these guys crossover with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in Bad Boys: The Ride Along and I'll be there opening night!

Final Grade: B-

You're Invited For A Little "Ride Along"

Ride Along (2014)

Rated PG-13 for language and violence

Starring Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter, John Leguizamo, Laurence Fishburne

Directed by Tim Story:

The Story:

Ben (Hart) is a security guard in love with Angela (Sumpter).  However, her big brother, James (Cube) is an Atlanta detective who doesn't approve of the relationship.  In order to get rid of Ben, he organizes a ride along to scare Ben away from wanting to be a cop, and wanting to be with his sister.  However, when things take a dangerous turn, maybe Ben will show he actually has what it takes to make the grade.

One of the first box office hits of 2014 is available to own on DVD, and it's a pretty good one.

Ice Cube does great, as usual, as a comedic action star.

Reunited with Tim Story (Barbershop), he's back at the top of his game as the tough straight man to Kevin Hart's antics.

Meanwhile, Kevin Hart continues to impress with this follow-up to Grudge Match, this time as a full-fledged co-star and not just the comic relief.

He pulls off the role really well, and keeps the character from being annoying, which is really important to making the film enjoyable.

If you don't like Ben, you won't root for him to succeed and win James' approval, and then the whole movie falls apart.

This film takes the perfect buddy cop, oil and water, formula and plays it to perfection.

You will probably see the twists and turns of the police investigation unfold, but that's okay.

At the end of the day, you'll be glad you came along for the ride.

Final Grade: Solid B

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I would have no qualms about adding this one to the library, and I'm looking forward to the sequel.