Review of Let's Be Cops (2014) by Brian S — 22 Jun 2015

Simplistic and not too original-about average buddies who don the clothes of the heroic law enforcement and end up protecting the innocent from baddies (wasn't that done in 1986s ¡Three Amigos!?)-2014s Let's Be Cops is an enjoyable ride-along driven by a likable cast (Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans, Jr.

), a fun premise and a solid enough plot. Most of the film is done with the right amount of efficiency; the plot beats are hit at the right moments, the highs and lows are expected and the character arcs are telegraphed but surprisingly the film still works due to a hopeful self-awareness in the script.

This isn't Hot Fuzz self-awareness (due to the writing not matching that high standard set in Edgar Wright's 2007 film) but there are some light bulbs switched on in the cop cars siren and it is as unexpected as it is appreciated.

Some of the directing choices from Luke Greenfield (who is also serving as a co-writer and producer) make the latter half of the picture feel like a different film at some points and some of the gags feel like there should be an extra comedic beat, highlighting this lack of finesse in the script (could be due to the relatively small budget).

Let's Be Cops initial goal wasn't to be the top student in the police academy but it does enough to make a passing grade.