Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Odd-couple buddy-cop flick is violent, predictable but fun.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Ride Along
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 34 kid reviews
Kids say that this film is a humorous buddy cop movie featuring a strong comedic performance by Kevin Hart, though it does contain significant violence, swearing, and some sexual references, including a strip club scene. While many found it entertaining, some criticized it for being predictable and containing excessive crude content, suggesting that it is more suitable for a teenage audience rather than younger children.
- comedy
- violence
- strong language
- teen audience
- predictable plot
- buddy cop theme
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
A never-before-seen crime lord named Omar is building a presence in Atlanta, and detective James (Ice Cube) has been working his sources trying to identify and nab him before he does major damage. But the elusive mastermind keeps slipping his grasp. Meantime, his sister, Angela (Tamika Sumpter), is close to getting engaged with her boyfriend, Ben (Kevin Hart), a high school guard who thinks he has the goods to become a full-fledged cop (he's just been accepted to the police academy), thanks to his considerable video-gaming prowess. James wants to dissuade Ben from his line of work, and perhaps scare him off forever (from the job and his sister) by inviting him to ride along one day at work. But predictably, things go awry.
Is It Any Good?
RIDE ALONG won't breathe new life into the buddy-cop genre. It hews pretty much to the tried-and-true (and tired) principles, which include making sure said would-be buddies hate each other in the beginning, and wind up friends in the end. Much chaos and hilarity ensue in between. But here, plot points seem more superfluous than usual for the genre. The supposedly ridiculously hilarious setups don't seem ridiculous enough. (See: civilian confronting biker gang.)
Nonetheless, the movie perks up in its second half, with a delicious casting twist that will incite cheers and Hart and Ice Cube displaying chemistry before unseen. If only their earlier animosity had been convincing and creative. Instead, it relies on the usual and irritatingly superficial tropes (Ben talks too much). Also, it's a pity to see John Leguizamo relegated to a thankless small role; his signature banter could have enlivened earlier proceedings. The fairly thrilling driving sequences that open the film do a good job of luring audiences in, though. And by time time the movie ends, Hart wins you over, but only just.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's take on video game violence. Ben appears to tap into skills he learned playing them, but does the film gloss over any downsides?
How does a movie's tone affect the impact of violent content?
Was it surprising to learn who the bad guys are? What do you think drove the choices they made?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 17, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : April 15, 2014
- Cast : Ice Cube , John Leguizamo , Kevin Hart
- Director : Tim Story
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sequences of violence, sexual content and brief strong language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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