Ride Along Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A short security guard tries to impress his girlfriend’s grumpy brother by joining him on a chaotic police ride, encountering explosions and crime bosses, mostly proving he’s good at screaming.

🍿 Ride Along: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction: Ben’s Ambitions and James’s Disapproval

Ben Barber, a high school security guard with aspirations of joining the Atlanta Police Department, seeks the approval of his girlfriend Angela’s overprotective brother, Detective James Payton. James, a hardened cop, views Ben as unworthy and incapable of providing for Angela. Ben’s eagerness to prove himself sets the stage for the central conflict.

The Ride Along: Trials and Tribulations

James reluctantly agrees to take Ben on a ‘ride along,’ intending to expose him to the harsh realities of police work and dissuade him from pursuing a career in law enforcement. The day is filled with a series of staged and real incidents, designed to test Ben’s mettle. These situations range from dealing with minor disturbances to confronting potentially dangerous criminals, highlighting Ben’s initial ineptitude.

Unforeseen Complications: The Omar Case

The ride along takes an unexpected turn when Ben and James stumble upon a lead in James’s long-standing investigation of a notorious crime lord known only as ‘Omar.’ This involvement thrusts Ben into a world of high-stakes danger, far beyond the petty crimes he initially encountered. The situation escalates, forcing Ben to confront his fears and demonstrate unexpected skills.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• James Payton (Ice Cube): A tough and overprotective Atlanta police officer who disapproves of his sister’s boyfriend and puts him through a ‘ride along’ to test his worth.
• Ben Barber (Kevin Hart): An aspiring police officer and high school security guard determined to prove himself to his girlfriend’s brother, a hardened detective.
• Angela Payton (Tika Sumpter): James’s sister and Ben’s girlfriend, who is caught between her brother’s disapproval and her love for Ben.
• Omar (Laurence Fishburne): The elusive and dangerous crime boss whom James has been trying to catch for a long time.
• Santiago (John Leguizamo): A corrupt police officer and colleague of James who is secretly working for Omar.
• Lt. Brooks (Bruce McGill): James’s superior officer who often clashes with him due to his unorthodox methods.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ben: “Hey! You’re white! You’re white! You don’t fight.” – Ben says this in a misguided attempt to break up a fight, showcasing his naivete.
• James: “You mess with my family, you deal with me.” – James says this emphasizing his protective nature towards his sister and threatening anyone who harms her.
• Ben: “I’m gonna be a cop! A real cop!” – Ben exclaims this demonstrating his enthusiasm for the challenge.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $134,938,200
• Worldwide Gross: $154,468,902

💥 Ride Along Reviews

Personal Review

I went into Ride Along expecting some laughs and a lighthearted action flick, and that’s exactly what I got. Kevin Hart is hilarious, and his chemistry with Ice Cube is surprisingly good. I especially enjoyed the scene where Ben tries to act tough in front of the bikers. The plot is predictable, but the comedic moments and the overall energy of the film made it a fun watch. It’s the kind of movie you can enjoy without having to think too hard.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Kevin Hart and Ice Cube”
  • “Viewers who enjoy buddy cop comedies”
  • “Those looking for a lighthearted and action-packed film”
  • “Audiences who appreciate films with comedic partnerships”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Some coarse language”
  • “Brief suggestive content”
  • “Gun violence”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While the movie is predictably formulaic, Kevin Hart’s energy and comic timing are undeniably engaging. Ice Cube’s stoic performance provides a sturdy contrast, making their dynamic watchable. However, the plot offers little that hasn’t been seen in countless buddy-cop films, and the action sequences lack originality.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Ride Along’ coasts on the charisma of its leads, but fails to deliver a fresh take on the genre. Hart’s slapstick is occasionally amusing, but the reliance on tired tropes and a predictable storyline ultimately undermines the film’s potential.
• Entertainment Weekly: “Kevin Hart carries this movie with his frenetic energy, even when the script fails him. The interplay with Ice Cube is enjoyable, and the supporting cast offers a few bright spots. But don’t expect any surprises – Ride Along plays it safe and sticks to the well-worn buddy-cop formula.

Audience Reactions

Kevin Hart’s over-the-top reactions to dangerous situations.: The audience generally agrees that the comedic duo of Kevin Hart and Ice Cube makes the movie entertaining, even if the plot is predictable.

Ice Cube’s ‘straight man’ performance as James.: Viewers appreciate the contrast between Hart’s loud persona and Ice Cube’s serious demeanor, finding it effective for comedic purposes.

Overall Consensus: A lightweight, formulaic buddy-cop comedy that relies heavily on the charisma of its stars, primarily Kevin Hart, to deliver laughs, but offers little in the way of originality or surprising plot twists.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Dwayne Johnson was originally considered for the role of James Payton, and Ryan Reynolds was considered for the role of Ben Barber.”
• “The film makes several references to other buddy cop movies, including ‘Training Day’ and ’48 Hrs.’, playfully acknowledging its genre influences.”
• “Filming primarily took place in Atlanta, Georgia, utilizing the city’s diverse locations to create the film’s setting.”

🖥️ How to Watch Ride Along?

Ride Along is readily available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video, and Apple TV. You can also purchase or rent the movie through digital retailers such as Google Play, YouTube Movies, and Vudu. Check your local cable provider for on-demand options as well. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Ride Along, you might like these similar films:

• 48 Hrs. (1982): Features an unlikely pairing of a cop and a criminal who must work together, setting the standard for the buddy cop genre.
• Training Day (2001): Explores similar themes of police corruption and moral ambiguity, with a rookie cop learning the ropes from a seasoned officer.
• Central Intelligence (2016): A modern action-comedy with a similar dynamic of a straight-laced character paired with an unpredictable one who team up to solve a crime.
• Meet the Parents (2000): Comedic premise of needing to impress a significant other’s overprotective and intimidating family member.

🛒 Ride Along Related Products

• Ride Along [Blu-ray]: The Blu-ray edition features enhanced visuals and sound, providing an immersive viewing experience with bonus content such as behind-the-scenes footage and deleted scenes.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Ride Along – Ben Barber Action Figure: A stylized collectible figure of Kevin Hart’s character, Ben Barber. It’s a great way to showcase your love for the movie in your collection.
• Ride Along Movie Poster: A vibrant poster featuring the main characters, ideal for decorating a home theater, game room, or any space where you want to display your love for the film.
• Ride Along Graphic T-Shirt: A comfortable and stylish t-shirt featuring a design inspired by the movie. It allows you to wear your fandom with pride.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Poppin’ Off” – performed by Watch The Duck
• “Move That Dope” – performed by Future ft. Pharrell, Pusha T & Casino

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Kevin Hart Offers Conan A Part In “Ride Along 2” | CONAN on TBS

“In this hilarious interview, Kevin Hart jokingly offers Conan O’Brien a role in the upcoming ‘Ride Along 2’. Their playful banter and chemistry make this clip a must-watch for fans of the movie and comedy in general.

✨ Rate