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Ride Along (Blu-ray) Official AVSForum Review

3K views 9 replies 7 participants last post by  Franin 
#1 ·


The Review at a Glance: (max score: 5 )

Film:


Extras:


Audio/Video total rating:

( Max score: 100 )
90





Studio and Year: Universal - 2014
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Feature running time: 100 minutes
Genre: Comedy

Disc Format: BD-50
Encoding: AVC (MPEG-4)
Video Aspect: 2.40:1
Resolution: 1080p/24


Audio Format(s): English DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio, DTS 5.1, Spanish Stereo
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
Starring: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, John Leguizamo, Bruce McGill, Tika Sumpter, Laurence Fishburne
Directed by: Tim Story
Music by: Christopher Lennertz
Written by: Greg Coolidge, Jason Mantzoukas, Phil Hay, Matt Manfredi
Region Code: A,B,C

Blu-ray Disc release Date: April 15, 2014
"Propose to this cop’s sister? Rookie mistake…."


Film Synopsis:


Fast-talking security guard Ben joins his cop brother-in-law James on a 24-hour patrol of Atlanta in order to prove himself worthy of marrying Angela, James' sister.

My Take:


When a fast-talking guy joins his girlfriend's brother, a hot-tempered detective, to patrol the streets of Atlanta, he gets entangled in the officer's latest case. Now, in order to prove that he deserves his future bride, he must survive the most insane 24 hours of his life. For the past two years, high-school security guard Ben (Hart) has been trying to show decorated APD detective James (Cube) that he's more than just a video-game junkie who's unworthy of James' sister, Angela (Tika Sumpter). When Ben finally gets accepted into the academy, he thinks he's earned the seasoned policeman's respect and asks for his blessing to marry Angela. Knowing that a ride along will demonstrate if Ben has what it takes to take care of his sister, James invites him on a shift designed to scare the hell out of the trainee. But when the wild night leads them to the most notorious criminal in the city, James will find that his new partner's rapid-fire mouth is just as dangerous as the bullets speeding at it.



I generally tend to like the buddy cop genre having cut my teeth on the likes of Lethal Weapon. The success of such films relies on the chemistry of the leads, the quality of the writing/dialogue and integration of whatever action that may be associated with the plot. Ride along opts for a typical premise which is fine however it relies too heavily on the comedic angle and Kevin Harts high energy delivery. It starts out pretty silly and continues a downward spiral that absurdly sours as it plods along. I lost count of the number of times I said “this is ridiculous” during the last act beginning with the warehouse encounter. I couldn’t help but feel that the casting of Bruce McGill, Laurence Fishburne and John Leguizamo was a waste of their talents. The Cube/Hart combination was merely okay and paled when compared to the more memorable film pairings out there. I will say that one bright spot in the film was the presence of Tika Sumpter. She isn’t an especially good actress but her good looks allowed her to steal every scene she was in.

Ride along is a contemporary comedy with a one note aspect and lazily predictable script that despite sporadic chuckles fails to capitalize on the talents of its cast and director.


Parental Guide:


The rating is for sequences of violence, sexual content and brief strong language.



AUDIO/VIDEO - By The Numbers:
REFERENCE = 92-100 / EXCELLENT = 83-91 / GOOD = 74-82 / AVERAGE = 65-73 / BELOW AVERAGE = under 65

**My audio/video ratings are based upon a comparative made against other high definition media/blu-ray disc.**


Audio: 86

(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)

  • Dynamics:

  • Low frequency effects:

  • Surround Sound presentation:

  • Clarity/Detail:

  • Dialogue Reproduction:

  • *Low frequency extension (non-rated element):



Video: 94

(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)

  • Resolution/Clarity:

  • Black level/Shadow detail:

  • Color reproduction:

  • Fleshtones:

  • Compression:


Ride along comes to Blu-ray Disc from Universal Studios HE featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 32 Mbps and lossless DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 3.6 Mbps.


Ride along looks terrific on Blu-ray Disc and features glossy high definition video quality that exhibits high level detail, razor sharpness and exquisite definition that brings out lifelike textures captured by the camera’s lens. Dimensional perspective has a near infinite appeal that can be visually stimulating. Close ups are noticeably refined and revealing of the subtlest details within facial features and objects within the frame. Mid level camera pans are equally enriching and offer excellent depth and dimension. Colors are appreciably delineated with natural rendering and punchy primaries that stand out among the remaining spectrum of secondary hues. Fleshtones are rendered with vivid tonality and discerning complexional depiction. Contrast is bold applied without overstatement as it enlivens colors and drives whites with washing away detail. Blacks are rich, gradationally strong and dynamic which makes them pop nicely during sequences containing a mix of light and dark elements. Detail in uneven light and darkened environments reveal visible shapes and structure in backgrounds. This is a pristine encoding and reference quality presentation that looks great.


This isn’t an action/comedy that calls for an aggressive surround mix but it should be capable of delivering the goods when necessary, and this DTS-HD Master Audio presentation does. The mix has a front oriented perspective with appreciable dimension, good channel separation and crisp, descriptive dialogue that is always intelligible. The mix offers good front to rear balance and open atmospherics that create a fairly enveloping sound field. The result is a stable listening environment where the blend of music, sound effects, and subtle nuance contained in the recording are appreciable. Dynamics range is quite good which helps empower active moments while lending solidity and palpable presence to low frequencies.

Bonus Features:

  • (HD) * Excusive * Alternate Ending

  • (HD) * Excusive * Deleted Scenes

  • (HD) * Excusive * Alternate Take

  • (HD) * Excusive * Kev & Cube’s Wild Ride: Audiences will experience Kevin Hart and Ice Cube’s electrifying chemistry in a short feature that shows first hand how these two megastars fed each other creatively, how Hart’s energy fueled the process, and what he learned about dedication and focus by working with Ice Cube.

  • (HD) * Excusive * An Explosive Ride: Ever wonder what it would be like to be beaten up by Laurence Fishburne? This trip behind the scenes will expose the hilarious exchanges between the stars and their stunt doubles.

  • (HD) * Excusive * You Gonna Learn Today: An inside look at the film’s many hilarious off-script moments including dailies and alternate takes that showcase the stars’ incredible comic gifts.

  • (HD) * Excusive * Anatomy of the Big Blast: Watch as the cast and crew prep for the movie’s most explosive sequence!

  • (HD) Gag Reel

  • (HD) It Was A Good Day: On The Set Of Ride Along: A backstage visit puts audiences on the set of Ride Along as they share in the cast and crew’s outrageously wild time. In-your-face, first-person footage featuring Kevin Hart, Ice Cube, John Leguizamo and the rest of the cast and crew continues the fast paced laughs and action of the film.

  • (HD) Atlanta – The Character: Often called Hollywood South, the city of Atlanta plays a starring role in Ride Along as Kevin Hart, Ice Cube and crew take audiences on an exclusive tour of their ’hood.

  • Feature Commentary With Director Tim Story

  • Bonus DVD

  • Ultraviolet Digital Copy



Final Thoughts:

Ride along is a contemporary comedy with a one note aspect and lazily predictable script that despite sporadic chuckles fails to capitalize on the talents of its cast and director. It comes to Blu-ray Disc from Universal Studios Home Entertainment featuring a great looking high definition presentation, excellent lossless sound quality and a fan friendly assortment of bonus supplements. I found Ride along to be a swing and a miss however for those that happen to be fans its presentation on Blu-ray is a bonus.










Ralph Potts
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews





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#2 ·
I was very disappointed with this one, especially seeing as it did pretty well at the box office.

Glad to hear at least the A/V is worthwhille but I wouldnt sit through this again.


As usual Ralph nailed the review...1.5 out of 5 is about where I'd put it also.
 
#4 ·
I had high hopes on this one...didn't see in theaters but figured it be out quick , fast and in a hurry... I so much like Ice Cube in Friday...it was low budget and had ascript

Written so a 4 yr old can understand ..but had me in stitches, I can watch it now and have a few laughs...despite it's age. That was then, this is now... I will pick this up used at Movie Stop cheap.


Great review King P, shame it was a bummer...
 
#6 ·
I'm tempted to rent this just because of Ralph's mention of Tika Sumpter, one of the most beautiful woman out there. I have always been a fan of Ice Cube, but the main reason I'm passing on this one is Kevin Hart. And that's not to say I'm not a fan, cause I actually am. The guy has had me laughing so hard at times that I nearly passed out. The problem is that he's the kind of comedian I can only really appreciate in small doses. I think he shines in a smaller supporting role, or even in a cameo. But after about 15 or 20 mins I really start to get my fill and he becomes really annoying. If the King had this film at 3 stars or higher I'd give it a go...but at 1.5, there's just too much other good stuff out there I haven't gotten to yet to spend the time here.
 
#8 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Summa  /t/1526713/ride-along-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review#post_24607761


I'm tempted to rent this just because of Ralph's mention of Tika Sumpter, one of the most beautiful woman out there. I have always been a fan of Ice Cube, but the main reason I'm passing on this one is Kevin Hart. And that's not to say I'm not a fan, cause I actually am. The guy has had me laughing so hard at times that I nearly passed out. The problem is that he's the kind of comedian I can only really appreciate in small doses. I think he shines in a smaller supporting role, or even in a cameo. But after about 15 or 20 mins I really start to get my fill and he becomes really annoying. If the King had this film at 3 stars or higher I'd give it a go...but at 1.5, there's just too much other good stuff out there I haven't gotten to yet to spend the time here.
I'm just the opposite, I find Hart sort of annoying in small roles, but when I saw his stand up stuff it was likes D_____! , this guy is seriously M______ funny.
 
#9 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by tenthplanet  /t/1526713/ride-along-blu-ray-official-avsforum-review#post_24608187


I'm just the opposite, I find Hart sort of annoying in small roles, but when I saw his stand up stuff it was likes D_____! , this guy is seriously M______ funny.

lol, you're probably in the majority, cause there aren't many comedians who are hotter than he is right now
 
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