(From IMDb.com)
Ice Cube and Kevin Hart bring out the best in each other, for sure this time.
And that makes Ride Along 2 better than its predecessor, which was a pretty good buddy movie in the first place.
We find Hart’s Ben Barber and Cube’s James Peyton a week away from officially becoming brothers-in-law in this action-comedy hybrid sequel to the 2014 original. Ben’s a rookie on the police force, itching to become a detective partner to the man whose sister he’s about to marry.
Directed by Tim Story and co-written by Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi (original screenplay writer Greg Coolidge settles for a “based-on-characters-by credit this time around), with the original premise of Mismatched Fellows already firmly established, this one’s more quickly and easily able to shift into an interesting plot filled with more believable characters played by solid actors.
A lead points from Atlanta to Miami, and Ben begs James to take him as part of the team. James steadfastly refuses for the good of the rookie — until his sister asks him to budge as a secret favor.
Tika Sumpter returns as tolerant and too-beautiful-for-Ben wife-to-be Angela, and Bruce McGill is back as the leery lieutenant, and both comfortably move the proceedings right along.
But it’s the trio of newcomers that lift this above the original. Benjamin Bratt is wonderfully creepy as the villainous Miami businessman, and Olivia Munn is aggressively stupendous as a strong Miami detective. Ken Jeong somewhat reigns in his famous eccentricity as a hacker who balances between evil and good, and is far more likable for the effort.
Yes, Ben still tries too hard to make James love and respect both him personally and his police work as they travel from Atlanta to Miami on the case, and yes, James still tries too hard to poo-poo anything good that comes from Ben’s efforts.
But Hart and Cube know how to do this in a way that appeared agreeable to all in the Saturday matinée crowd at the Regal Cinemas theater in Syracuse mega shopping, dining and entertainment complex Destiny USA. Chuckles abounded. And there may have been a happy sigh or three when the wedding scene came around. The Brothers-in-Law, indeed.
Whose style do you prefer, Kevin Hart or Ice Cube, and why? Do you recall a sequel you liked better than the original? Which supporting actor do you prefer: Ken Jeong, Benjamin Bratt or Olivia Munn, and why?
Really looking forward to this one. I liked the first, and I’m a huge Ken Jeong fan, seems like a great addition. I’ve like a lot of sequels as well as, or better than the original. Godfather 2, Rocky 2, Star Trek Wrath of Khan, Kill Bill 2, so many come to mind. ☺
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I think sometimes the characters feel more like friends the second time around, Van, but it’s hard for the plot to match up. For me, at least. This one, the story was better than the first.
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This movie just nudged “Star Trek’s” newest release out of the number one spot. Dave and I just saw “Star Trek.” After reading your review, “Ride Along 2” will be the next. I love a good buddy movie. 😉
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I hope you and Dave enjoy this sequel as much as Karen and I did, Judy. Happy New Year to you guys down there in Floriday from snowy Syracuse.
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I really enjoy movies with Ice Cube. Of course Kevin Hart is great too. As far as sequels being better than the first movie, I can’t think of any right now. Must ponder that for a while.
Hope all is well with you!!!!
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All is pretty good. Snow post coming up tomorrow morning, SD. I hope you are wet but not frozen in Central California, my good friend, and the writing is coming along!
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i’m looking forward to this, just for the fun. i enjoy both of them as buddies and ken is a humor force to be reckoned with )
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Yes, they are a good team nowadays, Beth. I hope they tickle your funny bone in this one, my friend.
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Well movie joltz blogger just gave it one star – and likely not my kind of movie – but glad you liked it M – and really nice to see different perspectives – hope u are having a nice month so far and sending a high five amigo! 🙋🏼
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High-five down Virginia way, Y! Hope January is treating you well. How’s the book project coming along, my friend?
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Well I put it on hold because it just was not feeling right- I will try and bring closure to it soon – and I need to send an update email – but in concept I was going to whip out the thing with my idea – but it has not felt right yet – I finally have a new idea – which is leaving out the lady by the river though – that was the part that was not jiving – anyhow – thanks for being cool and I shall be in touch later about it
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I will forever be open to your flow of ideas, Y. Thank you, always.
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u rock! and I just emailed the update! ttys and will be back to catch up on some posts this weekend – been thinking bait you amigo –
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