By Ian Bonham

Ride Along 2 (12A)

Staring : Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Ken Jeon, Olivia Munn

Director : Tim Story

Writers : Phil Hay, Matt Manfredi

Duration : 1 hour, 58 minutes

Showing at Kings Bastion Leisure Cinemas to 29^th January

“Ride Along” was a surprise hit in cinemas back in 2014, returning approximately $153m, so it was inevitable that a sequel would come along, and it's showing in Leisure Cinemas right now. Comedy Buddy Cop movies can be difficult to get right, but “Ride Along” nailed it, with Ice Cube and Kevin Hart having great on-screen chemistry. Comedy Buddy Cop movie sequels can be harder though, often losing much of what made the original so good.

Having had their budget almost doubled for this sequel, “Ride Along 2” has taken the right things from the first one and built on them, delivering what I found to be a funnier, pacier movie. Ice Cube and Kevin Hart are back as James and Ben respectively, with Ben having achieved his ambition of joining the Police Force. The movie opens with an impressive sequence, and immediately you can see there is more money in this one. That did worry me a little, as I get concerned the extra money will be used in stupid ways, but they have been very responsible in this respect.

In short order, Ben and James are off to Miami on the trail of a drug dealer, and the skills of a computer hacker called 'A.J'. I should say here that 'A.J' is played by Ken Jeong and he is utterly hilarious, especially when he is bouncing off Kevin Hart. They also meet 'Maya', a homicide detective played by Olivia Munn, as they introduce themselves at the Miami Police Department. Pretty soon the four of them are causing havoc across Miami, and much hilarity follows.

Once our duo are in Miami, I started to see where the extra money had been spent. Visually the film is an absolute treat, with the director using long sweeping shots and helicopter shots over the city to make it look really beautiful and exotic. It's almost a love letter to Miami as a city. There is also a hugely impressive car chase at the half way mark, which is presented on screen in a very amusing, very funny way. That also must have cost a bob or two!

With Tim Story in the director’s chair, plus Ice Cube in the cast and also acting as a producer, it should come as little surprise to anyone the sound track is also very likeable. It won't be to everyone's tastes all the time, but there is a surprising mix of music in there and you will find something you like.

Although Ice Cube gets top billing, I feel that like the original this is Kevin Hart's movie. He really is great value at making you laugh, and when he is sharing the screen with Ken Jeong they are seriously funny. The plot is not overly complicated, but includes a few surprises. That's not why you go to see a film such as this though. It is pure popcorn munching entertainment, and there is NOTHING wrong with that in my humble opinion.