🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Jerry Paris
- Genre: Comedy, Crime
- Release year: 1985
- Runtime (length): 1h 27min
- IMDb rating: 5.8/10 (62K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 27%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A bunch of misfit cops are assigned to the worst precinct, where they fight crime and each other, mostly succeeding at the latter.
🍿 Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Rookie Assignment
Following their graduation from the Police Academy, Carey Mahoney and his fellow graduates are assigned to the 16th precinct, the worst in the city. Captain Pete Lassard, brother of Commandant Lassard, is given 30 days by Chief Hurst to clean up the crime-ridden neighborhood, or he’ll lose his job.

Mauser’s Schemes
Lieutenant Mauser, eager to become captain, undermines the new recruits’ efforts at every turn, hoping to sabotage Captain Lassard. He assigns them undesirable tasks and attempts to have them suspended at the slightest misstep. This creates a constant battle between the ambitious Mauser and the resourceful Mahoney.

Zed and the Scullions
The precinct’s main problem is Zed, the leader of a local gang called the Scullions, who are terrorizing the neighborhood. The gang engages in vandalism, theft, and general mayhem, making life difficult for the residents and the police. The new recruits must find a way to stop Zed and restore order.

Tackleberry Finds Love
Amidst the chaos, the gung-ho Tackleberry finds romance with Sgt. Kathleen Kirkland, a fellow officer who shares his passion for firearms and law enforcement. Their relationship adds a touch of humor and camaraderie to the precinct, as they bond over their shared interests.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Carey Mahoney (Steve Guttenberg): A mischievous and clever officer who uses pranks and wit to fight crime and challenge authority.
- Eugene Tackleberry (David Graf): A gun-obsessed officer who finds love with a similarly armed policewoman, showcasing his intense and comical dedication to law enforcement.
- Larvell Jones (Michael Winslow): A talented sound effects artist who uses his abilities to confuse criminals and aid his fellow officers.
- Lt. Mauser (Art Metrano): A power-hungry lieutenant who schemes to undermine Captain Lassard and the new recruits for his own advancement.
- Zed (Bobcat Goldthwait): The erratic and unpredictable leader of a local gang who wreaks havoc on the city and clashes with the police.
- Laverne Hooks (Marion Ramsey): A timid officer who overcomes her shyness to effectively arrest criminals with her surprisingly assertive voice.
- Hightower (Bubba Smith): A gentle giant of an officer, Hightower is known for his incredible strength and surprising gentleness.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Zed: “We want… bran muffins!” – Zed makes a nonsensical demand while terrorizing a supermarket, showcasing his erratic behavior.
- Mahoney: “Nice briefs.” – Mahoney says this to Mauser after switching his shampoo with epoxy resin, causing Mauser great embarrassment.
- Tackleberry: “I’m in love!” – Tackleberry exclaims this after meeting Sgt. Kirkland, foreshadowing their shared enthusiasm for firearms.
- Lt. Mauser: “Proctor, you idiot!” – Mauser frequently berates Proctor for his incompetence, highlighting their dysfunctional relationship.
- Zed: “I love…Family Affair!” – Zed reveals an unexpected liking for the classic family TV show, demonstrating his eccentric personality.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $7.6M
- Domestic Gross: $55.6M
- Worldwide Gross: $55.6M
💥 Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment Reviews
Personal Review
I remember watching this as a kid and laughing non-stop. While it’s not as good as the first ‘Police Academy’, there are still some hilarious moments. The scene where Mahoney replaces Mauser’s shampoo with epoxy is a classic! Bobcat Goldthwait is over the top, but his character, Zed, is still funny. I like seeing Tackleberry finding love and how Hooks gains confidence and takes down criminals. If you need a silly and nostalgic comedy, this is worth a watch.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of slapstick comedy”
- “Viewers who enjoyed the original Police Academy movie”
- “Those looking for lighthearted, silly entertainment”
- “People who enjoy 80s comedies”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Crude humor”
- “Mild violence”
- “Suggestive content”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “Police Academy 2 doubles down on the slapstick but loses the original’s subversive edge. Guttenberg and the crew are back, but the jokes feel recycled and the plot is thinner than ever.
- The New York Times: “This sequel relies heavily on tired gags and predictable scenarios. The charm of the first film is absent, replaced by over-the-top performances and a nonsensical narrative. Only Bobcat Goldthwait offers a spark of originality.
- RogerEbert.com: “While not as fresh as the original, ‘Police Academy 2’ delivers enough laughs to satisfy fans of lowbrow comedy. The returning cast shines, and Bobcat Goldthwait’s manic energy adds a unique element to the chaos.
Audience Reactions
Bobcat Goldthwait’s Zed steals the show with his manic energy and memorable lines.: Viewers appreciated the return of the original cast and the addition of Goldthwait’s memorable character.
The shampoo prank on Mauser remains a fan favorite and is considered one of the funniest scenes.: Many enjoyed the slapstick humor and over-the-top antics.
Overall Consensus: While not as critically acclaimed as the original, ‘Police Academy 2’ is still a fun and nostalgic comedy with memorable characters and plenty of slapstick humor. Bobcat Goldthwait’s Zed is a standout.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Bubba Smith reportedly made more money from this film than he did in his entire ten-year NFL career, due to negotiating a percentage of the film’s profits instead of a higher salary.”
- “Bill Paxton was offered the role of Zed but turned it down because he didn’t want to commit to appearing in multiple sequels.”
- “G.W. Bailey was considered to reprise his role as Lt. Harris, but the part ultimately went to Art Metrano as Lt. Mauser, creating a new antagonist.”
🖥️ How to Watch Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment?
Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment is available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your local listings for cable or streaming options as well.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment, you might like these similar films:
- Stripes (1981): Similar ensemble cast comedy about misfits in a military setting, focusing on irreverent humor and character dynamics.
- Cannonball Run (1981): Another ensemble comedy from the same era, features a cast of unconventional characters engaging in a chaotic, rule-breaking competition.
- Super Troopers (2001): Features a group of goofy state troopers who engage in outrageous pranks and police work, similar to Police Academy’s humor style.
- The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988): Features a similarly slapstick and absurd take on police work, with a focus on visual gags and comedic misunderstandings.
🛒 Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment Related Products
- Police Academy: The Complete Collection DVD: Own the entire Police Academy saga! This collection features all seven films, offering hours of laugh-out-loud comedy. Relive the antics of Mahoney, Hightower, and the rest of the gang.
- Zed Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure: Add Zed from Police Academy 2 to your Funko Pop collection! This stylized figure captures Zed’s unforgettable look and energy. A must-have for fans of the movie.
- Police Academy T-Shirt: Show your love for Police Academy with this T-shirt! Featuring the Police Academy logo, this shirt is a great way to display your fandom. Comfortable and stylish.
- Police Academy Movie Poster: Decorate your walls with this Police Academy movie poster! Featuring the iconic cast and artwork, this poster is a perfect addition to any movie lover’s collection.
🎧 Soundtrack
Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Police Academy 2 was primarily filmed in Los Angeles, California, including locations like the Third Street Tunnel and Bunker Hill.
The main antagonists are Lieutenant Mauser, who wants to take over Captain Lassard’s job, and Zed, the leader of the Scullions gang.
The plot revolves around the newly graduated police officers being assigned to the worst precinct in the city and their attempts to fight crime while dealing with a power-hungry lieutenant.
🔥 Bonus Content
Larvell Jones • Best Bits • Police Academy • Michael Winslow
Michael Winslow’s Larvell Jones is arguably one of the most iconic characters in the Police Academy series. Check out this compilation of his best bits – you won’t believe the sounds this guy can make!
10 Things You Didn’t Know About PoliceAcademy2
Think you know everything about Police Academy 2? This video uncovers 10 surprising facts about the movie that you probably didn’t know. Prepare to have your mind blown!
Police Academy 2 – Mahoney, What Kind Of Clown Do You Think I Am?
Remember that iconic scene where Mahoney gets called out? Check it out this funny scene from Police Academy 2.
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