This film was surprising in some ways, while being extremely predictable at the same time. It was funnier than expected but unfortunately not quite good enough.
The plot second time round starts with the upcoming wedding between Ben (Kevin Hart) and Angela (Tika Sumpter) who is also James’ sister. This provides ongoing jokes throughout, and where most of the jokes in the film worked quite well.
James (Ice Cube) reluctantly takes Ben to Miami following up on a lead connected to a drug-ring. They team up with computer hacker AJ (Ken Jeong) and Maya (Olivia Munn), a homicide detective. They need to convince authorities that local businessman Antonio Pope (Benjamin Bratt) is at the centre of the drug trading. As wherever Ben is involved, havoc then ensues.
This film actually got better as it went on, it started slowly but improved when the gang get to Miami. The best scene is the one in the trailers with Ben, James and Maya attempting to get into Popes party. Unfortunately that’s the best the film gets comedy wise.
A shame seeing as the leads have great potential. Kevin Hart is not everyone’s cup of tea but does manage to bring a degree of humour. Ice Cube is arguably playing himself, but again delivers what the character requires.
However the best performances without a doubt come from Olivia Munn and Ken Jeong. They are everything positive in the film, and possibly underused. They bring something new and fresh to the often repetitive conversation between Ben and James. They almost make the film as a whole better just by being there, however their performances aren’t quite enough to carry this film.
“Put me in on this, James. I’m like half cop, half puma.”
#Peace.Love.RideAlong2
