Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Over-the-top comedy has tons of swearing, other iffy stuff.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Let's Be Cops
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 12 parent reviews
Based on 18 kid reviews
Kids say that the movie is very funny but it contains strong language, excessive violence, and brief sexual content, making it inappropriate for younger audiences, particularly those under 13. While many teens and some tweens find it hilarious, parents should consider the heavy use of profanity and mature themes when deciding if it's suitable for their children.
- strong language
- excessive violence
- brief nudity
- teen humor
- rated R
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Justin (Damon Wayans Jr.) and Ryan (Jake Johnson) are both pushing 30 and still haven't made it big after moving to Los Angeles from Ohio. Justin's desperate to get his video game project launched, but his company still treats him like an intern; Ryan's got no acting gigs (or actual professional goals, for that matter) after one stint in a herpes commercial. After dressing up as LAPD officers to attend a costume party, the duo discovers that the uniform lends them some cachet. Jaded with their real identities, they decide to start patrolling the city. But wearing the uniform comes with major responsibilities, including dealing with a vicious mobster who's marauding L.A. in partnership with an unknown criminal.
Is It Any Good?
LET'S BE COPS owes a lot to New Girl; its two leads successfully migrate the strikingly warm and funny rapport they share on that sitcom to this formulaic but still (somewhat) entertaining comedy. Both Wayans and Johnson throw themselves into the plot with such gusto ... which makes it even more of a pity that the screenplay is a retread of every single buddy comedy that ever was.
As a love interest, Nina Dobrev isn't given much to do besides play girl needing rescuing. (Aren't we tired of this cliche yet?) Then again, neither is anybody else, including Andy Garcia, who's criminally underused, and even the two headliners, who manage to eke out something close to entertaining even though they're left to their own devices by the so-so material and all-too-basic direction.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the appeal of "hard R" comedies like Let's Be Cops. Would they be as funny without all of the swearing and crass humor? Who are they intended to appeal to?
How does the movie portray drinking and drug use? Are there realistic consequences?
How do people's reactions to Ryan and Justin change when they're in uniform? How does this affect them? Why does Josie's opinion of Justin change when she learns more about his true identity?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 13, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : November 11, 2014
- Cast : Jake Johnson , Damon Wayans Jr. , Nina Dobrev , Rob Riggle
- Director : Luke Greenfield
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language including sexual references, some graphic nudity, violence and drug use
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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