Ride Along 2 (4/26/2016)

Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence, sexual content, language and some drug material.

Starring Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Olivia Munn, Ken Jeong and Benjamin Bratt

Directed by Tim Story

Ice Cube and Kevin Hart reteam for a sequel no one really asked for.

As his wedding day approaches, Ben (Kevin Hart) heads to Miami with his soon-to-be brother-in-law James (Ice Cube) to bring down a drug dealer who’s supplying the dealers of Atlanta with product.

Following up on their bland action-comedy from last year, Hart and Cube are back with a film that’s even lazier than expected. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the first one, but there were a few scenes that made laugh. But this movie wastes the talents of the cast and what I can only assume was a good idea for the storyline. It’s only watchable because Hart is able to make the most undemanding audience members chuckle now and then.

The funniest thing is what they are passing off as a story. I mean it’s pretty much the exact same story as the first film. James is trying to prove that Ben is an idiot, while he is actually softening his rough edges. In other words they are even less likeable than before. And if you ask me, Hart’s non-stop chatter is more annoying than it is amusing.

There are a bunch of shootouts, car chases, explosions and general ridiculousness. Besides ridiculous car chases and explosions, Ben actually credits his promising police career to video games…yes I said video games. And once again there are a few scenes that the filmmakers chose to make the film look like a video game…ugh.

Director Tim Story fails to bring anything new to the table, but even new characters like Olivia Munn, Ken Jeong and Benjamin Bratt don’t add any excitement to the film.

I wasn’t surprised there was a squeal, I just hop this is the last one. I say “Skip It.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Although there is no sex or nudity shown, they come as close to showing nudity as they can. There are several sexual references and a woman is seen in lingerie.

A scene takes place in a strip club and there are numerous women seen wearing next to nothing. No nudity is seen.

There are several fight scenes throughout the film with mild blood and gore.

There is one F-word, 24 S-words and several other profanities.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. How would you describe the relationship between Ben and James?


2. Have you ever met someone that you tried really hard to impress? How did it go?


3. Why do you think we try to impress people?

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:4

But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.


4. What does this verse tell us is more important than trying to impress others?


5. How can we please God and not worry about impressing others this week?