Actor and comedian Kevin Hart has teamed up with rapper Ice Cube in the new movie ‘Ride Along’. The movie is about a cantankerous officer, played by Ice Cube, who takes his future brother-in-law (Hart) in the field to see not only whether he has the chops to be a cop, but whether he’s worthy of the right to marry his sister.
JET magazine caught up with the big-screen stars, to discuss the new movie and to hear about some of the plans they have for the new year.
JET: Why did you agree to do the project?
Ice Cube: It was fun with a simple premise. I wanted it to be entertaining and for us to be compared to some of the great comedy duos. From ’48 Hours’ to ‘Lethal Weapon’ to ‘Bad Boys’, I wanted ‘Ride Along’ to have the same feel. I’ve been watching Kevin for awhile and I like that his delivery style works for any crowd, Black or white. There are ‘hood comedians and the crossover comedians, and he can cross over easily and connect to a wide audience. That is a good asset; Kevin isn’t one-dimensional.
Kevin Hart: First and foremost, it was the opportunity to work with Ice Cube. I have always been a big fan. Then I read the script and it was hilarious. I teamed up with a producer partner and all the pieces of the puzzle came together, so everything was right.
JET: You say the field is a gamble. What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken?
Hart: I took a gamble when I quit my job, which meant putting my all into stand-up comedy. That really could’ve gone either way, but it’s hard to tell me something isn’t going to work, especially when I’m betting on myself. I know what I’m capable of.
JET: What’s on deck for 2014?
Ice Cube: I’m working on a movie about NWA and music. Of course, I’m always focused on my family. I have a 19-year-old daughter and my youngest son is 13. I’m teaching them to make sound decisions and to know right from wrong; it really isn’t complicated.
Hart: I’m working on scripts and a new show for ABC. I still have ‘Real Husbands of Hollywood’ and about four movies lined up. I’m looking forward to making more films and producing more projects under Hartbeat Productions. I want to show people this guy won’t stop.
“Ride Along” hits theaters Jan. 17.
