Can You Get Away with Pretending to Be a Cop? Let's Be Cops Review: A Comedy More Fun Than a Real Police Uniform

Let's Be Cops (2014) is an action comedy about two best friends who pretend to be cops to boost their confidence, but end up entangled with a major mafia case. Starring Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr., their great chemistry makes the humor and thrills flow seamlessly.

Plot Summary (No Spoilers)

Ryan (Jake Johnson) and Justin (Damon Wayans Jr.) are close friends stuck in a rut with no real jobs. One day, they are invited to a class reunion, mistakenly thinking it's a costume party. Ryan buys a police uniform, but finds out it's not a costume party. However, the uniform unexpectedly earns them attention and respect. Ryan convinces Justin to continue the charade as fake cops. They start living as 'cops,' pretending to patrol and help people. But the fun turns real when they stir up a hornet's nest of mafia and corrupt cops, forcing them to use their fake badges to survive dangerous situations.

Acting and Characters

Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr. have excellent chemistry. Johnson plays Ryan, who loves taking risks and enjoys playing cop, while Wayans plays Justin, the anxious one who eventually goes along with his friend. Their interactions bring the comedy to life. Supporting actor Rob Riggle as a tough cop adds humor with his deadpan delivery. Nina Dobrev as Josie, Justin's girlfriend, has a decent role, though not as standout as James D'Arcy as the mafia boss Mossi, who plays the villain just menacingly enough.

Direction, Cinematography, and Music

Director Luke Greenfield handles the comedic timing well, especially in scenes where the duo must improvise as fake cops. The cinematography uses standard comedy angles but includes fun action scenes, like a chase through alleyways. The score by Christophe Beck and Jake Monaco effectively enhances both comedic and thrilling moments, though not particularly outstanding, it doesn't detract from the experience.

Editorial Analysis

Let's Be Cops is a comedy that plays with the concept of 'reality vs. pretense' through ordinary people role-playing as cops. It lightly questions whether the power and respect from a uniform are desirable even if undeserved, but doesn't delve too deep, focusing on entertainment. Some jokes feel repetitive or predictable, but the leads' chemistry holds the film together. However, the plot is straightforward, and the development of supporting characters is lacking, making it a fun, uncomplicated watch.

Verdict

Let's Be Cops is a comedy perfect for those wanting a light, brainless watch, especially fans of Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr. who will enjoy their hilarious chemistry. Though the story is simple, it's fun enough to make you laugh and keep you engaged throughout.