Entertaining Criticism- Ride Along

Rapper Ice Cube returns to the big screen alongside comedian Kevin Hart in Ride Along. The film released Jan. 17, earning $41,237,000 during its three-day opening weekend.

Directed by Tim Story, who brought us films like Barbershop and Think Like a Man, Ride Along has smashed the record for top-grossing movie during Martin Luther King Jr. weekend and has also received the honor of biggest Friday-Sunday opening in January history.

Here's a quick synopsis: When Ben Barber (Kevin Hart-"Real Husbands of Hollywood"), a deprived high-school security guard, finally receives acceptance into the Atlanta Police Academy, he makes it his mission to finally win over his girlfriend Angela's (Tika Sumpter- "The Haves and the Have Nots") overprotective brother James (Ice Cube- 21 Jump Street), a die-hard police officer for the force.

After unwavering coercion, James finally agrees to take Ben on a ride along, forcing him to prove himself worthy of respect.

The film stars John Leguziamo (Carlito's Way), Laurence Fishburne (Boyz n the Hood), Bryan Callen ("MAD TV"), Bruce McGill ("Matlock") and David Banner (The Butler).

Pay attention and you will also spot Jacob Latimore (Black Nativity), Charlamagne Tha God (The Breakfast Club on Power 105.1 in New York City) and Kenya Moore ("Real Housewives of Atlanta").

If you're a fan of All About the Benjamins, Friday, Next Friday, Friday After Next, First Sunday, Janky Promoteres - okay, I think you get the point - if you're a fan of ANY Ice Cube movie, you will enjoy Ride Along. Why? Because it's just like every film Ice Cube has starred in.

He's a hot-head with a penchant for one-liners, who befriends a bumbling idiot with excellent improvisation skills. A lot of crazy mishaps occur on their day together and in the end, Ice Cube reveals his soft spot and the bumbling idiot saves the day.

Ride Along has received an 18-percent rating from critics on RottenTomatoes.com, with a struggling 76-percent rating from audiences.

"Even though Ride Along is intended to be a breakthrough vehicle for Hart, he is clearly on auto-pilot here, giving us a watered-down version of his already watered-down comic persona," said Mike Sullivan, correspondent for The Weekender.

Sullivan goes on to call the film "moderately irritating and nearly unwatchable."

In conclusion, some will enjoy it, others will not, but one thing is clear - Kevin Hart's star is quickly on the rise and audiences should expect to see him in more leading roles.

Catch Ride Along in theaters now.