Jay Snook reviews this unique new comedy
I remember when I first saw the trailer for this film, and I thought it looked idiotic. The characters seemed fake and the plot seemed dull and uninspired. The only reason I went to see it was because I got passes to a free screening, and I was sure I was not going to like it. But the film impressed me. It has more going for it than the trailers let on, and although I was not laughing until it hurts I found myself glad to have seen it. Check this film out when it gets released in theaters this Friday.
Reese Witherspoon plays Officer Cooper who has wanted to be a cop since she was a little girl. Her dad was a great cop and one who was respected by his entire precinct. All her life she joined him on the job and got to see him in action. She knew this was a job she was going to do when she grew up, and could not wait to make her dad proud. But as a new recruit, she makes a mistake and ends up becoming a disgrace. She is taken out of the field and has to work in the evidence locker. It seems like she is stuck here, and her life is going nowhere.
But this changes when Felipe and Daniella Riva are to be taken into protective police custody so they can testify against Vicente Cortez who is a powerful drug lord and put him away for good. But this means Cooper and her partner have to keep Daniella and her husband alive until Monday, and needs to get them both to Dallas to testify in an open court. But when Felipe gets shot, and Cooper’s partner ends up dead things take a turn for the worst.
Somehow Cooper has to protect Daniella and make sure she gets to Dallas in one piece, but this will not be an easy task. Daniella hates Cooper and wants nothing to do with her, and she is terrified to testify against Cortez because she knows if she does she will wind up dead. But with dirty cops, criminals and for some reason the local police all trying to catch Cooper and Daniella, the plot thickens real quick. Why are these two women wanted criminals? Who shot and killed Cooper’s partner and Daniella’s husband? And will Cooper be able to get Daniella to Dallas in time?
Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara seem like an unlikely pair, but somehow are a great match in this movie. Cooper and Daniella are so different audiences will wonder how in the world will these two oddball characters this film together, but magically it happens. They bring a good blend of comedy, action and zany situations that make for a fun joy ride. Daniella brings a lot of comedic moments, but Cooper gets her share of scenes to either add to the laughs and sometimes brings an extra element that makes that scene go from good to great. Both of these characters grow and develop so much in this film, that once it is over neither one is the same.
The special effects are wonderful, and help bring many action packed moments. From shoot outs, to car crashes and even some giant explosions that never once look unrealistic. The best scene is the finale, everything comes together along with a few interesting plot twists that will not be spoiled here. The film has a good ending, and not one that is obvious. The cast all work splendid together, and no matter how small or big the part, each one brings an important element to this clever comedy. It is definitely a risky move to make a movie like this, but thankfully it works and makes it a fun film to go out and see.
Because of this the film gets a 6/10. It is not one of the best comedies out there, but it isn’t they worst either. It is definitely different, but not in a bad way. People will enjoy it, and woman will relate to these characters and heck some men may find ways to relate to them too.
If you are looking for a fun comedy to see with your friends, this is a good film to run out and see. If you are in the mood to see something silly and insightful, look no further than this movie. It is not a film for kids because of drug references and some violent moments, but adults will enjoy it.
Watch the trailer here: