Ride along 2 is like Shrek and donkey on acid! However, instead of roaming happily through an enchanted land, James Payton and Ben Barber are speeding along in car chases and defending themselves in shoot outs.
The characters are fairly one dimensional, but I did find myself laughing at the byplay between the two leads and gasping at some of the stunts that I’m sure they did not perform.
This movie begins shortly after the first movie ended, with former Atlanta security guard Ben just a week away from being wed to adoring girlfriend Angela now that brother James has given his blessing. As in the previous film, Hart’s over-eager, accident-prone apprentice – on probation now that he has graduated from police school – must prove he is ready to be a full-fledged officer.
After an overlong opening sequence in which Ben struggles to exit a bouncy riding car and eventually causes James’ partner to be shot, he and James head off to Miami to find AJ. He is a computer hacker who reveals evidence that implicates a respected businessman. It’s now up to James and Ben to prove that charming executive Antonio Pope is actually a violent crime lord who rules southern Florida’s drug trade.
Ice Cube’s character (James Payton) did little more than sneer and bark out his lines. However, Kevin Hart (Ben Barber) and Ken Jeong (AJ, the computer hacker) were the real stars of the movie. Their dialogue is cleverly written and their delivery is perfect. Mind you, (like everybody else in this film) they tend to go over the top at times. Benjamin Bratt plays the archetypal villain – dark, swarthy and already ready to offer another obstacle to the resolution of the plot.
If you are a fan of car chases and shoot outs, this one is for you. The budget for car crashing must have been extreme! If you enjoyed Ride Along then make sure you see this sequel, though it doesn’t have the style of the first. It does however, have more characters.
A good laugh, but a bit silly.
Reviewed by Barry Hill
Twitter: @kinesguy
Rating out of 10: 7
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