As a fan of 2014’s smash hit “Ride Along,” I went into the sequel with a few questions: Will I still laugh at the repartee between the stern, serious Ice Cube and enthusiastic, animated Kevin Hart? Will the introduction of Ken Jeong, whom I’ve loved in prior films like the “Hangover” series, add anything to the central pair’s dynamic? Will I be able to see Olivia Munn, who I still associate with being hilarious on “The Daily Show” and co-hosting “Attack of the Show,” as a badass Miami cop?
As soon as the opening scene featured Ben (Hart) and James (Cube) investigating an undercover drug transaction at a muscle car show, my first question was answered. The comedic chemistry between Hart and Cube is perfect, and it only heightens as they pursue a computer hacker (Jeong) in an effort to bring down a powerful drug lord (Benjamin Bratt). Ben’s working as a rookie cop and preparing to marry James’ sister (Tika Sumpter), thus making the two “brothers-in-law.” Get it? Brothers “in law.” You’ll hear that particular play on words throughout the film, mostly from Hart’s character. Meanwhile, Jeong reminds you why his attitude and abrasiveness made him a star as he explains to Cube why he’d run from two black men: “Have you seen you? YOU would run from you.”
Munn plays officer Maya Cruz, who of course becomes James’ love interest. She’s amazing in the role, convincingly seeming like a one-person enforcer—if Maya had a partner, which clearly she didn’t need, he must have been on desk duty. And if this is any indication of how Munn might portray the telepathic mutant Psylocke in the upcoming “X-Men” film, she is going to slay.
I also particularly liked the many subtle nods to video game culture in “Ride Along 2.” From the “Assassin’s Creed” references to the “Grand Theft Auto”-esque car chase (a la “Vice City”), it made the gamer in me chuckle throughout the film. There’s a solo scene with Hart playing the pseudo-“GTA” video game that any gamer will appreciate, and my prepubescent giddiness took over as Hart’s avatar was beaten by an old lady NPC (non-playable character … like I said, I’m a gamer).
The film is rife with cliché lines and scenes, such as the Miami police chief pointing out all the property damage Ben and James have caused since they came to town. Though it’s nice to see Maya and James’ relationship play out in a more subdued manner and not the typical “We clearly like each other so let’s play up the sexual tension” manner.
Obviously, don’t expect to be captivated by long shots like in “The Revenant”—though there is a semi-comparable fight scene between Ben and a large alligator named Marcus. “Ride Along 2” is a simple, smart and funny buddy cop film that’s reminiscent of what made “Rush Hour” work. I wouldn’t doubt it if the sequel was just as successful as its predecessor and we see Hart and Cube going for the trifecta. If you’re looking for a film to make you laugh out loud scene to scene, this is it.
To quote Ice Cube, “YAY YAY.” 3 stars (out of four)
