Opening at 2,662 locations, Ride Along is essentially the comedy version of Training Day. In the rookie role is Kevin Hart, who has established a strong brand thanks to supporting turns in movies like Think Like a Man ($91.5 million) and his incredibly popular stand-up work (last Summer’s Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain earned $32.2 million).
Meanwhile, Ice Cube assumes the role of the veteran cop; Cube’s last headlining role was 2008 box office bomb The Longshots, so it’s unclear if he’s much of a draw these days. The movie’s real strength, though, can be found in its tagline: “Propose to this cop’s sister? Rookie mistake.” That line clearly explains what the movie is about, and suggests that there is something here for both men and women (one of the keys to comedy success). It also helps that ads deliver plenty of amusing gags, including a very memorable one involving Hart and a shotgun.