Ride Along 2

If you loved the film "Ride Along" and you thrilled in the systematic chemistry between Kevin Hart and Ice Cube you won't be too disappointed with "Ride Along 2," a mirror-image knockoff of the original's cookie cutter formula.

The film begins with a pretty interesting hook. The talented purveyor of Asian stereotypes, Ken Jeong plays an embezzling hacker who witnesses the murder of an important politician and will now be hunted by one of the underworld's shadiest crime lords Antonio Pope (Benjamin Bratt). But that gripping plot is set aside as we return to "Ride Along's" dopey buddy comedy scenario.

Once again Kevin Hart (Ben) is a police rookie trying to prove himself to his hard-nosed, soon-to-be brother-in-law Ice Cube (James), a no-nonsense detective. Ben's fianc�e (Tika Sumpter) wants to get her ADHD-addled companion away from her Type A wedding planner (Sherri Shepherd), so that the ceremony can take place in less than a week. (The fights between Hart and Shepherd are some of the best comedy in this movie. Unfortunately, they are few.)

Reluctantly, James takes Ben to Miami to follow up a lead, which Ben blunders hopelessly. But just when things look their worst, Ben's efforts lead to the pair taking down a huge crime ring.

Hart and Jeong are reliably talented comedians who remain consistently funny through the limitations of some absolutely terrible scripts, but this one gives even them a run for their money. Instead of warming up to them, they can get on our nerves.

Ice Cube plays a nice foil to Harts frenetic energy - a stoic, badass, he's the stereotypical ideal of black machismo. But on his own he's about as compelling as a chair. The films many vibrantly colored sports cars infuse this film with more drama than this leading role. Even with the brilliantly quirky and sexy Olivia Munn doting on him, Cube sustains little interest. Had she spent the entire film riding along with Hart the film would have been far more exciting.

There are loads of special features on this Blu-ray, and more opportunities to watch Hart be funny. But even though most of these are under 10 minutes you probably won't make it to the end of each. They just gussy-up unused takes and behind the scenes footage: deleted scenes, a gag reel, a police recruitment video, a wedding commercial, behind the set "diaries," etc. There's also a roundtable discussion with director and the two leads if you are dying to probe the inner thoughts of the artists.

"Ride Along 2"
Blu-ray Combo Pack $29.99
www.ridealong.com/