Kevin Hart and Ice Cube are unlikely partners in the teaser for the cop comedy Ride Along

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

I hate this new trend of "safe" buddy cop movies. The sub-genre was invented for violent and funny pairings that didn't hold back. 48 HRS, LETHAL WEAPON, TANGO & CASH. None of these would work in a PG-13 environment. Even the comedy THE OTHER GUYS was just pushing the line for an R-rating. With the success of THE HEAT (also rated R) this weekend, get ready for a barrage of comedies following that same funny trend but with a safer bend to them.

The teaser for the Kevin Hart/Ice Cube buddy cop comedy RIDE ALONG plays like a lightweight version of BAD BOYS. The trailer definitely plays up the comedy chops of Kevin Hart, who I am sure the studios have been dying to get in a starring role. If you have ever seen his stand-up, you would know the guy is not a PG-13 comedian. Why he is being watered down, I have no idea. Still, he did have me laugh with the shotgun scene.

For the past two years, high-school security guard Ben (Hart) has been trying to show decorated APD detective James (Cube) that he’s more than just a video-game junkie who’s unworthy of James’ sister, Angela (Tika Sumpter).  When Ben finally gets accepted into the academy, he thinks he’s earned the seasoned policeman’s respect and asks for his blessing to marry Angela.

Knowing that a ride along will demonstrate if Ben has what it takes to take care of his sister, James invites him on a shift designed to scare the hell out of the trainee.  But when the wild night leads them to the most notorious criminal in the city, James will find that his new partner’s rapid-fire mouth is just as dangerous as the bullets speeding at it.

Also starring John Leguizamo, Laurence Fishburne, and SNL's Jay Pharoah, RIDE ALONG comes from director Tim Story (FANTASTIC FOUR), so don't hold out too much hope for a good movie.

RIDE ALONG opens January 17, 2014.