Ride Along

Released in January 2014, Ride Along pairs Ice Cube and Kevin Hart in a buddy cop comedy directed by Tim Story. The film follows Ben Barber, a fast-talking high school security guard, who must win the approval of his girlfriend's older brother, Detective James Payton, by surviving a 24-hour patrol through Atlanta. Produced on a $25 million budget, the movie grossed over $154 million worldwide, becoming a commercial success despite mixed critical reception.

The film arrived during a period when Kevin Hart was transitioning from stand-up to leading man, and Ice Cube brought his established persona as a no-nonsense authority figure. Their contrasting energies, Hart's manic physical comedy against Cube's deadpan stoicism, formed the core of the film's appeal. Shot primarily in Atlanta, Ride Along capitalized on Georgia's tax incentives and helped cement the city's reputation as a production hub.

The soundtrack, featuring artists like Kid Ink, Wiz Khalifa, and Drake, complemented the film's urban setting. Christopher Lennertz composed the score, blending hip-hop elements with orchestral cues. The film's success led to a 2016 sequel and ongoing development of a third installment as of 2026. [edit]

Ben Barber has been dating Angela Payton for two years. He works as a security guard at a high school and spends his free time playing video games, which does not impress Angela's older brother, Detective James Payton of the Atlanta Police Department. James sees Ben as an immature liability, unworthy of his sister. When Ben gets accepted into the police academy, he feels emboldened to ask James for his blessing to propose to Angela.

James, still unconvinced, proposes a test: Ben must accompany him on a 24-hour ride along through Atlanta's toughest streets. James secretly coordinates with dispatch to ensure they receive the most dangerous and humiliating calls, hoping to scare Ben out of both the academy and the engagement. The patrol begins with a series of absurd encounters: a biker bar confrontation, a strip club disturbance, and a domestic dispute involving a violent resident.

As the night progresses, the situation escalates when Ben and James stumble into an active investigation. James has been working off the books on a case involving a notorious arms dealer named Omar, who runs a passport forgery and weapons trafficking ring. The case was officially shut down by James's lieutenant, but James continued pursuing leads. During a routine traffic stop, Ben and James identify a suspect connected to Omar's network, forcing them to chase the man through the city.

Their pursuit leads them to a warehouse district where Omar's operation is based. Ben's video game-honed reflexes and quick thinking begin to prove useful as they navigate the criminal underworld. James, initially dismissive, starts to see potential in his future brother-in-law. The pair must work together to track down Omar before he disappears, with Ben's improvisational skills complementing James's tactical experience.

The ride along transforms from a hazing ritual into a genuine partnership as the stakes rise. Ben's loyalty and courage are tested in ways he never anticipated, and James must decide whether to trust the man his sister loves with his life.[edit]