Directed by
Tim Story
Made by
Universal Pictures
The story kicks off in Miami, aboard the luxurious vessel owned by crime lord Antonio Pope (Benjamin Bratt). His tech-savvy ally, A.J. (Ken Jeong), is busy going through data on his computer when Pope makes a chilling phone call to Port Commissioner Griffin (played by James Martin Kelly), accusing him of siphoning off funds. In a swift, ruthless act, Pope has Griffin eliminated in his own apartment, further escalating the tension as he instructs his henchmen to track down the thief.
The narrative shifts to Atlanta, where James (Ice Cube) is attempting to break into a drug ring alongside his partner Mayfield (Tyrese Gibson) to apprehend a dealer named Troy (Glen Powell). Meanwhile, fresh-faced rookie Ben (Kevin Hart), itching to prove himself, is left behind to monitor communications. As the plot unfolds, Ben’s eagerness to jump into the action leads to a series of blunders: he tries to confront Troy, inadvertently dropping his badge and allowing the criminal to flee, much to James’ chagrin.
After a chaotic chase, where Ben barely escapes being run over, James finally apprehends Troy, snagging a necklace that doubles as a flash drive. Despite his success, James chastises Ben for the trouble he’s caused, especially after Mayfield gets shot during the skirmish. Lt. Brooks (Bruce McGill) later tasks James with heading to Miami to investigate Troy’s connections. Eager to join, Ben finds little support, particularly after everything that just unfolded.
Back home, Ben is preoccupied with wedding plans for Angela (Tika Sumpter). Unfortunately, he clashes with the wedding planner Cori (Sherri Shepherd), resulting in some comical mishaps. After a steamy moment with Angela, who wants to help him step up his game, she persuades James to take Ben to Miami. Initially hesitant, James quickly sees the situation as an opportunity to prove Ben’s incompetence.
Their Miami adventure begins as they meet Captain Hernandez (Carlos Gomez) and immediately sparks fly between Ben and Detective Maya Cruz (Olivia Munn) when he accidentally intrudes on her workstation. Ben’s first attempt at detective work takes a detour towards fun as A.J. leads him into an unexpected bachelor party at a club, where they hope to uncover crucial intel. However, hilarity ensues when they encounter Pope’s hitman, leading to a wild shootout and more hijinks that set their progression back.
The stakes rise as A.J. helps them unravel the criminal web connecting Pope to the upcoming shipping operations while revealing that the apparent businessman hides a much darker agenda. As they delve deeper, the duo’s clumsiness almost derails their mission, notably when Ben mistakenly shoots the informant Alonso (Arturo del Puerto), who backs up A.J.’s claims about Pope.
As the climax builds, the team infiltrates one of Pope’s grand parties at his mansion. Maya employs her charm and skills to distract Pope while James and Ben gather intel, only for chaos to erupt as Ben battles an alligator. The tension only escalates when they attempt to stop contraband-laden trucks at the port, only to find they are empty. Back at the bar, A.J. makes a crucial connection about a spy within their ranks, helping James piece together a larger plan.
When everything comes to a head at dawn, the team confronts Pope at the port during a thrilling shootout that nearly costs them their lives. In a heroic act, Ben takes a bullet for James while seeking to defeat Pope, showcasing a newfound bravery. With the criminal finally thwarted, and both men emerging as heroes, they celebrate their return home. As Ben prepares to marry Angela, James delivers a heartfelt toast that marks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. But true to form, mischief follows as Ben’s wedding adventure ends with him hilariously being thrown overboard, caught in an unexpected comedic spectacle that concludes this wild escapade.
Antonio Pope's Ruthless Call
The story opens in Miami, where crime lord Antonio Pope makes a menacing phone call to Port Commissioner Griffin, accusing him of misappropriating funds. The tension escalates as Pope swiftly eliminates Griffin from the equation, showcasing his ruthless nature and setting the stage for the unfolding chaos.
James and Mayfield's Drug Bust
The narrative shifts to Atlanta, where James and his partner Mayfield aim to infiltrate a drug ring led by a dealer named Troy. Their plan takes a turn when rookie cop Ben, left behind to monitor communications, jumps headfirst into the chaos, leading to a series of mishaps.
Ben's Blunder
During the chaotic chase to capture Troy, rookie cop Ben inadvertently drops his badge, allowing the dealer to escape. This mishap infuriates James, highlighting Ben's eagerness but incompetence in high-stakes situations.
Troy Captured
Despite Ben's blunder, James successfully captures Troy and retrieves a necklace that doubles as a flash drive. However, this success is overshadowed by the fact that Mayfield is injured during the confrontation, reflecting the dangers of their profession.
Tasked with Miami Investigation
After the dust settles, Lt. Brooks assigns James to investigate Troy's connections in Miami. Ben, eager to join the mission despite his recent failures, is left to navigate the complexities of their next challenges.
Wedding Plans and Conflict
Back in Atlanta, Ben is focused on planning his wedding to Angela, but hilarity ensues as he clashes with the wedding planner Cori. The comedic mishaps further highlight his character's struggle to manage both personal and professional responsibilities.
Trip to Miami
After a heartfelt moment with Angela, who encourages him to step up, Ben convinces James to take him to Miami. Initially hesitant, James sees this as an opportunity to expose Ben's shortcomings, setting the stage for their comedic adventure.
First Encounter in Miami
Upon arriving in Miami, Ben makes a disastrous first impression with Detective Maya Cruz after accidentally intruding on her workspace. This initial tension foreshadows the chaotic dynamics of their partnership as they delve into the investigation.
Bachelor Party Shenanigans
Ben's first attempt at detective work leads him to a wild bachelor party at a club, thanks to A.J. Their mission turns into a hilarious escapade when they encounter Pope's hitman, culminating in an unexpected shootout.
Uncovering Pope's Dark Agenda
As the plot unfolds, A.J. helps James and Ben uncover the criminal connections between Pope and the shipping operations. Their investigation into the crime lord reveals a dark underbelly to his seemingly legitimate business interests.
Accidental Shooting Incident
In a critical moment, Ben accidentally shoots an informant, Alonso, who previously supported A.J.'s claims about Pope. This blunder almost derails their mission, showcasing Ben's continued ineptitude in high-pressure situations.
Infiltrating Pope's Party
The stakes rise as the team infiltrates one of Pope's lavish parties at his mansion. Maya uses her charm to distract Pope while James and Ben gather intel, but chaos erupts as Ben finds himself battling an unexpected alligator.
Confrontation at the Port
As the climax nears, the team confronts Pope during a thrilling shootout at the port. This intense showdown is a turning point that tests their resolve and courage, pushing them to the brink in their fight against crime.
Ben's Heroic Act
In a surprising act of bravery, Ben takes a bullet for James during the confrontation with Pope, proving his newfound heroism. This pivotal moment marks a significant transformation for Ben, as he steps up to defend his partner.
Return and Wedding Chaos
After thwarting Pope, the team returns home as heroes. However, their escapade takes a hilarious turn when Ben's wedding plans end with him comically thrown overboard, ensuring that his misadventures continue even into marriage.
Ben (Kevin Hart)
Ben is a fresh-faced rookie eager to prove his worth as a cop. His enthusiasm often leads to comedic blunders, making him both endearing and frustrating to his partner, James. Despite his initial incompetence, Ben exhibits significant growth throughout the film, ultimately showcasing bravery in critical moments.
James (Ice Cube)
James is a seasoned cop and Ben's partner, tasked with managing the rookie's antics. His no-nonsense attitude contrasts sharply with Ben's eagerness, but he ultimately becomes a mentor. His experience and protective nature drive much of the plot's tension as he navigates the chaos caused by Ben.
Angela (Tika Sumpter)
Angela is Ben's love interest, who embodies support and commitment in his life. Her influence helps Ben rise above his incompetence, urging him to step up. Familiar with the nuances of their relationship, she adds a layer of personal stakes to Ben’s journey.
Maya Cruz (Olivia Munn)
Detective Maya Cruz is a sharp and skilled officer who initially clashes with Ben but ultimately plays a pivotal role in the mission. Her charm and adaptability are crucial during the operation against Pope, demonstrating that collaboration is essential for success.
Time period
Modern Day
The storyline unfolds in contemporary times, amidst a backdrop of sophisticated crime and modern technology. This setting allows for a clash between classic police work and innovative tech interventions, reflecting current societal dynamics and challenges.
Location
Miami, Atlanta
Miami is a vibrant city known for its stunning beaches, cultural diversity, and bustling nightlife. Its reputation as a hub for tourism and crime alike sets the stage for thrilling narratives, including high-stakes adventures. Atlanta, on the other hand, is recognized as a major center for business and entertainment, boasting a rich history and modern urban vibrancy.
🎭
Bravery
Bravery plays a crucial role as characters confront their fears and push their limits. The journey from incompetence to heroism is central to Ben's character arc, demonstrating growth through escalating challenges. The film highlights that true courage often emerges in the face of adversity, especially when personal stakes are involved.
💍
Love and Commitment
The theme of love and commitment is explored through Ben's upcoming marriage to Angela. His struggles to balance personal aspirations with professional duties create comedic tension. This romance adds depth to Ben's character, showcasing how love can inspire one to be more courageous and determined.
🎉
Comedy
Comedy is woven throughout the narrative, enhancing the film's entertainment value. From Ben's blunders to unexpected situations, humor arises in the midst of crime-fighting. The use of comedic elements offers a light-hearted take on serious challenges, making the characters' escapades more relatable and enjoyable.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.