CHIPS Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two mismatched cops ride motorcycles, one’s horny, the other’s a klutz, and they somehow stop crime, probably by accident.

🍿 CHIPS: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Undercover and Rookie

The film opens with FBI agent Castillo (Michael Peña) revealing his identity during a robbery, arresting the criminals responsible for his former partner’s death. Meanwhile, Jon Baker (Dax Shepard), a former motocross racer, struggles to pass the California Highway Patrol (CHP) training academy. Despite his riding skills, he barely graduates on probation due to his physical limitations and inexperience.

Armored Car Heists

A series of armored car robberies plague Los Angeles, implicating corrupt cops within the CHP. The FBI sends Castillo, now undercover as CHP officer Frank “Ponch” Poncherello, to investigate. He partners with Baker, whose motorcycle expertise is deemed valuable despite his rookie status. The duo clash due to their contrasting personalities and Ponch’s undercover mission.

Investigating the Corruption

Ponch and Baker investigate the robberies, facing numerous obstacles and humorous situations. Their investigation leads them to Lieutenant Ray Kurtz (Vincent D’Onofrio), a high-ranking CHP officer suspected of orchestrating the heists to fund his son’s drug rehabilitation. Ponch and Baker gather evidence, uncovering a network of corrupt officers within the CHP.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ponch (Michael Peña): An undercover FBI agent with a sex addiction, investigating a series of armored car robberies within the California Highway Patrol.
• Jon (Dax Shepard): A former motocross star turned rookie CHP officer, struggling with injuries and a failing marriage, who is partnered with Ponch.
• Ray Kurtz (Vincent D’Onofrio): A corrupt CHP Lieutenant, and the main antagonist, leading a heist operation to support his heroin-addicted son.
• Ava Perez (Rosa Salazar): A fellow CHP officer who provides backup and support to Ponch and Jon in their investigation.
• Lindsey Taylor (Jessica McNamee): A CHP officer involved in the corruption, who ultimately supports Kurtz in the final confrontation.
• Peterson (Isiah Whitlock Jr.): Ponch’s FBI boss who sends him undercover to investigate the CHP.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ponch: “She ate my butt.” – Ponch casually mentions this during a conversation, showcasing the film’s raunchy humor.
• Jon Baker: “I’m always two beers too familiar.” – Baker describes his personality, highlighting his awkward and sometimes over-eager nature.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $18,600,152
• Worldwide Gross: $26,800,152

💥 CHIPS Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into CHIPS not expecting much, and honestly, it was a mixed bag. I laughed a few times, mostly at the sheer absurdity of some scenes, especially anything with Michael Peña. But the jokes about Jon’s painkiller addiction felt a bit much. Ultimately it was a fun but forgettable ride; if you’re looking for a mindless action-comedy, this might do the trick for a night.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of buddy cop comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy raunchy humor”
  • “Those familiar with the original CHIPS TV series, but with an open mind”
  • “Fans of Dax Shepard and Michael Peña”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Crude sexual content”
  • “Graphic nudity”
  • “Violence”
  • “Suggestive themes”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “While Peña and Shepard have some chemistry, CHIPS crashes and burns due to its reliance on crude humor and a paper-thin plot. A disappointment for fans of the original show.
• IGN: “CHIPS delivers on the buddy-cop action-comedy formula, though the humor can be uneven. Michael Peña and Dax Shepard work well together, but the film ultimately lacks originality and memorable moments.
• RogerEbert.com: “CHIPS is intermittently funny but never rises above the level of mildly amusing. It’s a passable time-waster for fans of the genre, but it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression.

Audience Reactions

Michael Peña’s performance as Ponch was hilarious and made the movie worth watching.: Fans appreciated the motorcycle stunts and action sequences, though some found the humor too crude.

Overall Consensus: CHIPS is a raunchy action-comedy that delivers some laughs but ultimately falls short due to its reliance on crude humor and thin plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Dax Shepard wrote, directed, produced, and starred in the film. This level of control allowed him to put his personal stamp on the project, including doing many of his own motorcycle stunts.”
• “The opening credits include the disclaimer: ‘The California Highway Patrol does not endorse this film. At all.’ This humorous addition sets the tone for the movie’s irreverent take on the source material.”
• “Dax Shepard is a known motorcycle enthusiast and incorporated his passion for bikes into the action sequences.”

🖥️ How to Watch CHIPS?

CHIPS is available for streaming on platforms such as HBO Max (subscription required). You can also rent or buy the movie on demand through services like Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video. Check your local cable provider for on-demand options as well.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed CHIPS, you might like these similar films:

• 21 Jump Street (2012): Shares a similar buddy cop dynamic and comedic tone, reimagining a classic TV series with raunchy humor.
• Starsky & Hutch (2004): Another comedic reimagining of a classic TV series with a focus on the chemistry between the two leads.
• Lethal Weapon (1987): While more serious, it also features a buddy cop relationship with contrasting personalities forced to work together, setting a benchmark for the genre.

🛒 CHIPS Related Products

• CHiPs: The Complete Series: Relive the classic adventures of Ponch and Jon in the original series that inspired the movie, now available to stream.
• Ducati Hypermotard 939 Diecast Model: A detailed replica of the iconic motorcycle featured in the film, perfect for collectors and motorcycle enthusiasts.
• California Highway Patrol T-Shirt: Show your support for the CHP with this stylish t-shirt. Available in various sizes and colors.
• CHIPS Movie Poster: The original theatrical poster of the movie CHIPS.

🎧 Soundtrack

CHIPS features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “CHiPs (Theme)” – performed by John Carl Parker

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

CHiPs (1977–1983) ★ Then and Now 2022 [How They Changed]

Ever wonder what happened to the original CHiPs cast? This video shows you what they look like now, and it’s pretty wild to see how much they’ve changed! It’s a cool reminder of the show that started it all.

✨ Rate