Brothers-in-law crack some ribs
Bakang Israel | Friday January 22, 2016 15:53
Ice Cube and Kevin Hart are some of American channel, BET’s, most celebrated comedic figures. Even more so worldwide.
Cube and Hart have appeared in some huge comedy blockbusters. These include Friday, Next Friday, Friday After Next, All About The Benjamins, Are We There Yet, Are We Done Yet and Barbershop.
That is Cube’s legendary status right there for you, while Hart, the loud mouth midget is not too far behind, as he is the new force to reckoned with in Hollywood in regard to the ‘funny’. Hart is a stand up comedian, who transitioned to superstardom with movies like Ride Along, Think Like A Man, The Wedding Ringer and Get Hard alongside this latest offering.
Apart from these two reprising their roles, this film is directed by comedy specialist, Tim Story, who also directed the first Ride Along and Think Like A Man. Ride Along 2 is a 2016 American crime action comedy, which is also a sequel to Ride Along (2014).
It picks up from where the first film left off.
Ride Along 2 opens with Hart’s character getting married. As his wedding day approaches, the now rookie cop, Ben (Hart) has to prove his worth to earn recognition within the force to be a fully fledged officer. His soon-to-be-brother-in-law James (Cube) is working on a major case to bring down a drug dealer, Serge Pope (Benjamin Bratt) who has opened a drug trafficking pipeline in Miami. Now as the two brotherly cops do not get along well their Ride Along mission trip to the atlantic paradise of Miami dishes out pandemonium.
Action
The film does not give you time to breath with funny moments like these: “Baby have you seen my thong. I’m going to Miami”. Try guessing who has the audacity to say that to his wife. Obviously, Hart’s character. The funny thing about that statement is that he does not even flinch when he says it.
In response James (Cube) says, ”Do you ever listen to the s**t that flies out of your mouth”.
Ice Cube brings to the plate that African American aggressive language laced with light curses audiences love so much.
The film also explores the various elements that include high speed action and the tragedy of being in love. Apart from that the action is just too crisp.
Ben’s unstable nature jeopardises missions and is always a catalyst for the next sequence of events. There is plenty of road rage, car chases and gun violence in this thrilling comedy.
This time the cars are much cooler.
The boys roll in some customised Jaguar and Lamborghini. The film gets its action thriller moments from its pursuit of drug-related affairs.
Bratt is always good playing a drug lord as he does it perfectly in this film giving the two cops a headache, as he has law enforcement in his pocket.
Ride Along 2 is pretty much innovative. It mixes a lot of aspects to generate humour.
Ben can be seen disguised as an African Prince much to the delight of the crowd in attendance as whenever an idiot thinks he is king there is bound to be fireworks because of his virtual powers.
Now the film’s cinematography is delightfully ravishing because it is set up in an urban setting. It deals with issues of metro cities and showcases lavish exotic coastal areas with the scenery coming out crystal.
The sound is also energetic. The film captivates with vibrant hit sounds from the likes of 50 Cents and Flo Rida. We enjoyed this film because it juggles with issues of corruption, sexuality, race, love, self-esteem, trust amongst others that our characters portray in lighter fashion.
I for one can single out my highlight moment: Ben (Hart) is an ultimate TV console gamer. In this particular scene he looks at his work partner, James and sees a character from his game derived from the 1980s television show, Miami Vice. So epic. This comedy will tickle your funny bone till it breaks.
Reception
The film opened worldwide last weekend and immediately hit the top spot, dethroning Star Wars: The Force Awakens and pocketing premiere sales of $35 million.
This was not so bad looking at the fact that it made with a production budget of $10 million. Currently it has earned a worldwide sum of $44 million in its opening week. In comparison to the first Ride Along, the sequel is funnier, but failed to cash in as its predecessor, which scored with a production budget of $25 million to rake in $48 million on opening weekend and made a total gross of $134 million.
Box office
New movies in circuit leading at the box office
1. Ride Along 2
2. The Revenant
3. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
4. 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi
5. Daddy’s Home
Ratings
I felt the Ride Along with the boys to Miami was super explosive and funnier than the first. It rates a 7.7 and is definitely a collectable for home viewing.