Ride Along - Hilarious But a Bit Long

The newest odd couple, crime fighting dynamic duo movie, Ride Along, stars Kevin Hart & Ice Cube.  This formulaic comedy has been done so many times before you could stick a fork in it.  Yet, funny man Kevin Hart & the indefatigable straight guy, Ice Cube provide plenty of fresh laughs & genuine  bonding moments.  Ben (Kevin Hart) is an earnest, fast-talking wanna be cop.  James (Ice Cube) plays the seasoned cop and over protective brother to Angela, Ben's fiancee.  Ben is determined to succeed through Police Academy and prove he's worthy of marrying James' sister.  James agrees to take Ben on a ride along with the intent of discouraging him by putting him through intentionally insane scenarios.  The required and tired car chases, dirty cops & unrelenting shoot-outs are cookie cut outs which needed editing cuts. But, the irrepressible spunk & wit of Ben pitted against James steely veneer manages to break through the pack of buddy movies to be one of the funniest pairings since 48 Hours or Lethal Weapon.  Ride Along is a joy ride that needs some shortcuts.