If you’re looking for a lighthearted comedy to unwind to this weekend, Ride Along might be it for you. The crackpot comedy is set to hit Netflix this week, bringing with it a blend of action, laughs, and over-the-top antics.
Kevin Hart’s comedic timing and Ice Cube’s tough guy persona make for a box office-winning formula. It’s the perfect film for those moments when you just want to sit back, relax, and enjoy some mindless fun.
Directed by Tim Story and starring Ice Cube alongside Kevin Hart, Ride Along is a buddy cop film released in 2014. It will hit the streaming platform on July 16th, after the big release of the week Bird Box Barcelona releases on July 14th.
And if you want to know what the film is about before diving in, then read along!
What is Ride Along about?
In Ride Along, we meet Ben Barber, played by Kevin Hart, a lovable but slightly eccentric security guard determined to prove himself to his girlfriend’s tough-as-nails police officer brother, James Payton, portrayed by Ice Cube. To win James’ approval and show that he is worthy of marrying his sister, Ben embarks on a wild and action-packed 24-hour patrol of Atlanta with James. However, things quickly spiral out of control when Ben accidentally gets entangled in James’ pursuit of an arms dealer named Omar, played by Laurence Fishburne.
The chemistry between Kevin Hart and Ice Cube got them a Best On-Screen Duo nomination at the 2014 MTV Movie Awards, which they ultimately lost to Vin Diesel and Paul Walker for Fast & Furious 6. Hart’s fast-talking, comedic flair got him a Choice Movie Actor: Comedy win at the Teen Choice Awards.
Speaking to Complex UK, Hart mentioned how social media feedback helped them capitalise on their chemistry, “We get a lot feedback through social media, and people love the back and forth. I think that’s a good thing, because in any relationship, you want it to come across real and grounded. And I think Cube and myself have done a great job of bringing that across in Ride Along 2.”
Upon its release in 2014, Ride Along quickly gained popularity, smashing box office records.
The film’s success can also be attributed to the team behind it. Tim Story, known for directing dramedies like Barbershop and horror-comedies like The Blackening, made Ride Along a trope-y but fun film to watch even though it wouldn’t pass the basic Bechdel test. Despite that, it churned a sequel in 2016, and a third part has also been rumoured for years.
While Ride Along provides plenty of laughs and entertainment, it’s worth noting that some viewers have pointed out a problematic element in the film. Some critics argue that certain scenes perpetuate stereotypes, particularly regarding African-American characters.
While the film does rely on comedic exaggeration, it’s essential to approach these moments with awareness and an understanding of their potential impact.
