RIDE ALONG (2014)

Directed By: Tim Story 
Written By: Jason Mantzoukas, Phil Hay, Matt Manfredi & Greg Coolidge 
Story By: Greg Coolidge 
Cinematography By: Larry Blanford 
Editor: Craig Alpert 

 Cast: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter, John Leguizamo, Bryan Callen, Bruce McGill, Gary Owen, Jay Pharoah, Jacob Latimore, David Banner, Angie Stone

Fast-talking security guard Ben joins his cop brother-in-law James on a 24-hour patrol of Atlanta in order to prove himself worthy of marrying Angela, James' sister. Originally the movie intended for Dwayne Johnson to play James and Ryan Reynolds to play Ben.

While this film is entertaining it is also very basic. If looking for some mindless entertainment this film is for you. As there are no real surprises and it plays it straight

Unfortunately while a comedy the jokes are obvious so are the twists. While it does have some funny scenes most are given away by the trailer.

The few things that kept my interests during the film. Actress Tika Sumpter and her respectable but incredibly shrinking in size wardrobe.

The introduction of the big bad, towards the end that is kind of spoiled by the opening credits and a photo which is unmistakable as to who it could be.

In fact the final third act of the film. While hugely ridiculous is where the film finally starts to work and pay off. It is also where all the action starts . The hand to hand combat of Kevin hart against the villain is the funniest thing in the movie.

I really hoped the film would be better, but it serves it purposes as long as what you want from the film. Is brainless fun that the trailer promises and as long as you aren't looking for something that doesn't stray from the formula and introduces nothing original.

The strange thing is that both Kevin hart and ice cube are likeable on screen presences and usually have a type of character that doesn't stretch and to would think would be natural chemistry co-starring in this film. Yet it doesn't seem to work or happen. Some of this film Even reminds you of the Michael j. fox and James woods film THE HARD WAY. Only I guess I enjoyed thy film more call it nostalgia. Here the scenes and motives I recognize don't work as they seem telegraphed. Though this film for all of it's violence and illogic is still a bit more lighter then that film ever was even with a PG-13 rating. As in the past Ice Cube knows to play the tough guy with a comedian usually doing all the hard work in the past it was Jami Foxx, Then for quite a few films it was Mike Epps, Then it was kids. Now it seems like this will be his new partner for a few films at least.

I usually try to enjoy the film for what it was, but even as entertainment it felt streamlined and of poor quality.

The film is directed by Tim Story, who has a mixed record in the quality of his films. Though they are usually hits in some form or another. In fact he is one of hollywood’s highest grossing director and is the most successful African American director In Hollywood today.

Wait for cable.

 Grade: D+