Let me begin by saying, I am not big on sequels, especially comedy sequels. So when Ice Cube and Kevin Hart decided to team up for another “Ride Along” my movie critic side-eye was on full alert.
As I sat through the first scenes, thoughts of “this is what “Next Friday” (sequel to the original “Friday”) should have mirrored” danced in my head. I was convinced that Ice Cube had found the chemistry to his comedic duo that had been lacking since the departure of Chris Tucker.
Although, Cube has grown leaps and bounds in the director/producer role during the years his acting chops delivers the same of what we have come to love of the flat-footed (might I add super eyelious) dry comedy he delivers. However, the actual star of the film is Kevin Hart showing throughout each scene that this is his time to shine.
From the “Wedding Ringer” to “Ride Along 2” with stops of “Get Hard” in between, Hart has proven that he has left the “Soul Plane”, his stand-up performance is on cruise control, and he is coming for the next “Eddie Murphy” title. As with many comedians in the past, Hart’s transition into mainstream film has been earned with praise.
An added layer to the odd-couple comedy of Cube and Hart layer was the introduction of Ken Jeong as A.J. leaving “Ride Along 2” a comedy trifecta.
AJ Snap Rating: 4 out of 5 Snaps
