Since Kumal's latest Film is now on Netflix (thanks, pandemic!), I feel like I should look at...the one before that. This was the first of two Films released under the new Fox/Disney alliance. Is it good?
In the Cold Open, a Cop- Dave Bautista- tries to catch a dangerous suspect. Things don't go well.
I mean, that's no SPOILER, since, you know, it is only the Intro...
Stu is a 'worker drone' who is doing Uber to make money for a side business...to impress a woman.
His life sure is going to change.
Dave here has a few things to deal with...
1) He wants to catch the crook who eluded him 6 months ago.
2) He wants to go to his Daughter's Art Show tonight.
3) He just had Lasik.
4) He has to use Uber for the first time (with Stu).
On the plus side, this Film casts the Lead from The Raid and doesn't waste him. Looking at you, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
As you can see, things don't go too well.
With nobody seeming to be helping them and both of them facing big distractions, can they succeed?
Can they put aside their differences and stop the big drug bust?
Will this turn into another Ride Along Film?
To find out, stream the Film or Redbox it. That's a verb now, right?
Will this turn into another Ride Along Film?
To find out, stream the Film or Redbox it. That's a verb now, right?
Considering the history and the reception, I expected much worse. The Film does take some getting used to and needs time to grow. Stu is a bit too passive at the start, making him not always the easiest to root for. Likewise, Bautista is a bit too aggressive and overcompensating at the start. Yes, the point is that they grow and evolve. My point, however, is that you may take some time to warm up to them given how far both are at the start. The Plot keeps them together without much effort, so good on them. Throughout the Film, there are some real strong jokes to be found. It is only when it devolves at times into Bautista being a jerk and/or Stu yelling that it doesn't always work. It seems to be almost a reflex for the Film. The pair do make some good chemistry together and I'm curious to see if more comes from this. It wasn't a surprise hit like Rush Hour or Ride Along, so probably not. Maybe the stars can align for them to work together in the MCU- we'll see. Stuber is not as bad as its 'Throw this out since we have to' Release would make you think. Is it great? No. Is it pretty good if you're into darker, more violent Comedy? Yes. It also serves up a good lesson. I just think 'No matter how bad a day at work may be, I'm not this guy...'
A violent Comedy that takes a bit of time to get its footing. This 'Buddy Cop' does eventually stand out, even if it is just in small bursts throughout.
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