If you're a Kevin Hart fan, then you know what you're in for when you sit down to watch one of his films. There are always some hilarious moments (including a bit of slapstick humor) some decent cameos, and even some witty one-liners. From his stand up performances to his characters on the big and small screens, Hart has mastered the art of capturing the audience’s attention. And yet, when I sat down to watch Hart and his co-star Ice Cube in the first “Ride Along” film, (which debuted in 2014) I was pleasantly surprised by just how much I enjoyed it. I laughed more than I thought I would, and Hart and Ice Cube's chemistry hit that perfect sweet spot that’s needed for any decent buddy film. Still, when the sequel to the cop action comedy was announced, I found myself rolling my eyes. This was not a storyline that needed an additional moment, and certainly not another full-length film. It turns out, I was right to be apprehensive.
Despite the vibrant Miami background, flashy cars, and new cast members, “Ride Along 2” failed, as most sequels do, to live up to the corny light-heartedness of the original. In “Ride Along 2”, recent police academy graduate, Ben, eagerly follows his soon to be brother-in-law, James, to Miami in order to follow up on a lead in a big drug case. Just a week before his wedding to James’ sister, Angela (played by Tika Sumpter), Ben is determined to prove that he has what it takes to become a detective. Continue Reading at Shadow and Act.
Image: Ride Along 2 Poster/Universal Pictures