The story follows Ben Barber (played by Kevin Hart), a high-school security guard with aspirations of becoming a police officer. To prove himself to his girlfriend Angela’s (played by Tika Sumpter) brother, Detective James Payton (played by Ice Cube), Ben joins James on a ride-along, a day spent accompanying a police officer on patrol.
James is skeptical of Ben’s abilities and intentionally puts him in challenging and humorous situations to dissuade him from pursuing a career in law enforcement. The film combines action and comedy as Ben inadvertently stumbles into a real criminal investigation involving a dangerous drug lord named Omar (played by Laurence Fishburne).
As Ben and James navigate the dangers of the criminal underworld, they develop an unlikely partnership. The film explores themes of trust, family, and proving oneself in the face of adversity.
In the climax, Ben and James confront Omar, leading to a high-stakes showdown. The resolution involves the characters resolving the criminal case, overcoming personal differences, and earning mutual respect.
“Ride Along” received mixed reviews from critics but was a commercial success, particularly due to the comedic chemistry between Ice Cube and Kevin Hart. The film’s success led to the release of a sequel, “Ride Along 2,” in 2016. The “Ride Along” franchise is known for its blend of action and humor within the context of mismatched partnerships.