The ComeBack
Genre: Action/Comedy
Director: Ruben Fleischer
Cast: Charlie Cox, Brandon Routh, Lakeith Stanfield, Walton Goggins, John C. Reilly, Jackie Earle Haley, Violet McGraw, Toni Collette, Toby Jones, Irina Starshenbaum, Jimmi Simpson, Oleg Taktarov
Plot: As the final notes of Justin Bieber's "Sorry" fade out in the car, Cop Jake Marlowe (Charlie Cox) leans over to his partner, Cop Ryde Andrews (Brandon Routh), and makes a familiar complaint about the radio desperately needing fixing. Ryde playfully promises to handle it "soon," but Jake knows from experience that this "soon" has been an ongoing joke for years. This exchange sets the stage for their partnership as they embark on a day filled with misadventures.
Upon arriving at their designated location, the two cops initially encounter what appears to be a routine situation. However, their day takes an unexpected turn when their confidential informant, Bunker Doyle (Jackie Earle Haley), known for his comically terrible disguises, appears in an over-the-top Russian accent. Bunker fancies himself a master of disguise, but Jake and Ryde can't help but stifle their laughter at his comically bad efforts.
Bunker hints at the presence of a new player in town, piquing their curiosity. They press him for concrete information but only receive vague rumors. Frustrated, they drop Bunker off, unknowingly setting the stage for a series of comedic events.
The cops pursue two culprits fleeing a store robbery, they encounter a street performer dressed as a mime (Jimmi Simpson), blocking their path as if trapped inside an imaginary box. The cops reluctantly try to "help" the mime with exaggerated mime-like gestures, only to find themselves hilariously imitating mime actions. In frustration, Jake exclaims, "We don't have time for this!" while Ryde, still mimicking the mime, agrees. In a fit of annoyance, Jake and Ryde lift the mime aside, accidentally breaking the mime's imaginary box. The mime watches them with a bewildered expression. Despite these challenges, they nearly catch the robbers but are thwarted by another police car suddenly appearing. A collision with a wall ends their chase, resulting in minor injuries for Jake and Ryde, and a disappointed Ryde looking at the battered state of their car.
After some time, news arrives that the other police car has successfully apprehended the fleeing robbers. While they wait at the scene, two other officers, Chet Tyler (Jason Sudeikis) and Moses Buckland (Lakeith Stanfield), join them. These officers are celebrated for their recent accomplishments, earning recognition within the precinct. After brief interviews with the media, Chet and Moses join Jake and Ryde with camaraderie. They tally the number of police cars the four of them have wrecked during pursuits. To showcase their unity, they add "0" to the total count with humor.
The duo waited outside Director Phil Donnelly's office, knowing they would face a stern scolding. Director Phil (John C. Reilly) welcomed them warmly, but his smile quickly turned into a frown as the door shut behind them. He scolded them for wrecking their own car, reminding them they were only allowed to use their cars because they had a history of wrecking department vehicles. Despite his outburst, he showed his fondness for them by arranging for their car repair. Jake added humor by saying, "Maybe they fixed the radio too." The director shot him a stern look.. Concerned about their recent performance, Phil asks them a rhetorical question, "What's gone wrong? You both excelled at the academy when I was in charge, while Moses and Chet didn't perform as well. You even had a promising start to your career, but it seems like things have taken a downturn. I believe it's time to place you in some straightforward roles." He continues, "I think I have a straightforward assignment lined up for you two, something to help you get back on track. It's not about your capabilities; it's about regaining that spark and building your confidence again." Phil calls in Jonah Maloney (Walton Goggins), a former colleague who left the force to establish his own successful private security company. Ryde and Jake, admirers of Jonah's early career, are taken aback by his achievements. Jonah explains that he has been hired by the Kingdom of Imaginaria, The Queen and the young Princess of the Kingdom are traveling to the United States for medical treatment. The Kingdom's security chief will be responsible for their protection and will work alongside Jonah's company. However, due to their status as foreign royalty, they are required to have two official police officers accompany them. Jake and Ryde, though initially hesitant, ultimately find it impossible to refuse their mentor, Phil, who has consistently supported them, and Jonah, one of their heroes.
As Jake and Ryde picked up their car from the mechanic, they received a pleasant surprise. The mechanic had fixed the damage and resolved their long-standing radio issue. There was also a note in the car from Chet and Moses, wishing them well and gifting them a new radio. However, the radio played only one song, Rebecca Black's "Friday." Although annoyed at first, they couldn't help but chuckle at the light-hearted prank. After picking up their freshly repaired car, Jake and Ryde have an unexpected encounter with Bunker Doyle, who has taken his comical disguises to new heights. Bunker appears in an over-the-top Italian persona, complete with a remarkably convincing Italian accent. Perplexed by his sudden transformation, the duo concludes that he might genuinely be from Italy. In his flamboyant style, Bunker shares a rumor he's heard: a foreign group is allegedly purchasing a significant number of guns and cars. Jake and Ryde, despite their initial scepticism, decide to focus on their duty to ensure the safety of the visiting royalty. They head to the hotel to meet the Kingdom of Imaginaria's royal family. In the lobby, they're introduced to Queen Elara (Toni Collette), her young daughter, Princess Seraphina (Violet McGaw), and Isa Saphi (Irina Starshenbaum), the queen's sister. Meeting royalty is a moment that leaves the duo starstruck and flustered. Jake, in particular, finds himself at a loss for words in the presence of Queen Elara and her daughter, Princess Seraphina. He stammers and struggles to maintain his composure, his heartstrings pulled by the grace of the queen and the endearing innocence of the princess. Meanwhile, Ryde finds himself equally captivated but struggles to articulate his feelings. His starstruck gaze remains fixed on Isa Saphi (Irina Starshenbaum), Queen Elara's sister, whose beguiling beauty leaves him spellbound. Isa, despite her limited English, displays a subtle curiosity, her eyes discreetly tracing Ryde's every move, a hint of intrigue lingering in the air. As the meeting with the royal family progresses, the imposing figure of Kingdom security head Sir Gareth (Toby Jones) strikes up a conversation with the duo. He suggests that they can enjoy a more relaxed role during the visit, leaving the bulk of the security work to his capable team. The officers get the distinct impression that Gareth is implying they can take on more of a ceremonial role, escorting the royalty and making public appearances, rather than getting involved in the nitty-gritty of security. After a delightful interaction, Princess Seraphina sweetly invites the duo to have lunch with her and the royal family. Jake and Ryde gladly accept the invitation, excited about the prospect of bonding with the young princess. During the lunch, Princess Seraphina is engrossed in her drawings, and Jake can't help but notice her sketching an emblem. He leans in and asks her, "What's that you're drawing?" Princess Seraphina looks up with a smile and replies, "It's the logo of our kingdom, Imaginaria.". However, as the lunch draws to a close, Gareth approaches them in a quiet, slightly menacing tone. He discreetly urges them to disperse, emphasizing that their ceremonial roles will officially commence the next day.
As Jake and Ryde make their way out of the hotel, they come across a delivery person (Oleg Tarkatov) arriving at the entrance, they hold the door for him. The moment they walk out they crash into a mime, to their surprise it's the same mime they encountered earlier during the chase, and he clearly remembers their previous meeting. With exaggerated mime actions, he expresses his frustration at the duo. Trying to avoid another mime-related mishap, Jake and Ryde decide to lift him aside and keep him out of the way. However, their actions catch the attention of a hotel staff member who quickly informs them that the mime is scheduled to perform inside the hotel.
Gareth, observing the commotion, approaches to investigate what's happening. Just then, they hear a series of piercing screams coming from the room where the queen, Isa, and Princess Seraphina are staying. Without hesitation, the duo sprints to the room to discover a snake. The sudden appearance of the snake plunges the room into a frenzy. Queen Elara, Princess Seraphina, and Isa Saphi let out piercing screams, and chaos ensues. Furniture topples over, and everyone rushes to find cover.
Amid the madness, Jake and Ryde spring into action, their teamwork and instincts kicking in. Without missing a beat, they utilize an overturned chair and an empty laundry basket, turning them into makeshift tools in their impromptu snake-catching mission. With coordinated, yet comically exaggerated movements, they attempt to corner the snake, which slithers beneath a piece of dislodged furniture. Jake tries to mimic a snake charmer's dance, swaying and clapping to distract the reptile. At the same time, Ryde holds up the laundry basket as if it's a professional snake-catching tool. The snake, seemingly bewildered by the strange spectacle unfolding before it, momentarily pauses. Jake takes this opportunity to gently nudge the snake towards Ryde, who's strategically positioning the laundry basket for the capture. But in a comedic twist, the snake suddenly decides to dash straight towards Ryde's feet. With quick reflexes, Ryde drops the laundry basket and hops onto a nearby stool with a comical yelp. The snake makes a dramatic U-turn, heading back towards Jake, who narrowly avoids the creature with an acrobatic leap over an upturned coffee table. As the room's occupants watch in both fear and bemusement, the chaos continues. Finally, with a combination of clever teamwork, unconventional tactics, and some hilarious antics, Jake manages to trap the snake under the laundry basket. He then carefully slides a magazine beneath the basket, creating a makeshift lid. The snake is captured, and the room is once again in a state of relative calm.
Amidst the chaotic scene with the snake, Ryde's attention is drawn to Isa. She stands before him, now clad in a bathrobe, her usual regal demeanor momentarily replaced with a look of mild embarrassment due to the unexpected intrusion. Catching her eye, Ryde can't resist flashing a cheeky grin, the mischievous glint in his eye suggesting that he is about to share a playful comment. As he gazes at her, Ryde can't help himself but quip, "I guess I've already received my reward." His remark carries a hint of humor, playful innuendo, and a touch of charm, making it clear that he's referring to her presence in the bathrobe, as well as the shared moment amid the chaos. Isa's initial embarrassment transforms into a delicate blush, and she emits a soft, melodic laugh in response to Ryde's comment.
Following the snake incident, Jake and Ryde swiftly notify their superior, Phil, about the security breach over the phone. As they recount the chaos, the need for a change in their security measures becomes abundantly clear. Jonah, appearing via video call, and Gareth, upon hearing about the breach, exchange concerned glances. The safety of the royal family is paramount, and they can't afford any further lapses in security. Jonah, via the video call, decides to move the hotel to ensure the safety of Queen Elara, Princess Seraphina, and Isa. They understand that adapting to this change is crucial to protect the royal visitors from any potential harm.
As the group prepares to take Princess Seraphina to her medical checkup, the royal car, carrying Jake, Ryde, the princess, Queen Elara, and Isa, follows Jonah's lead, while Gareth's car trails behind. The convoy makes its way from the hotel to the hospital. On the busy city roads, the three cars are suddenly surrounded by vehicles that are nearly identical to their escort. The situation quickly becomes confusing, with the royal family believing they are following Jonah's car, while Gareth's vehicle trails behind.
Amidst the chaos and growing apprehension, the officers realize they have been led astray, following the wrong set of cars. Tension mounts as they attempt to discern the identity and intentions of the mysterious vehicles surrounding them. Princess Seraphina looks to her protectors, Jake and Ryde, for reassurance, while Queen Elara and Isa exchange worried glances. As the convoy continues to navigate the busy city roads, the situation takes a perilous turn. The surrounding vehicles, almost identical to their escort, suddenly open fire on the royal car. Chaos erupts as the driver of the princess's car is shot, and in the heat of the moment, Jake swiftly takes the wheel. With a determined resolve to escape this trap, Jake steers the car into an empty flood control channel, leaving behind the chaotic streets. Down in the channel, the officers, Jake and Ryde, initiate a daring attempt to fend off the hostile vehicles that are relentlessly pursuing them. Ryde joins the action, skillfully returning fire in an intense exchange, as their car careens through the concrete channel. Bullets fly in both directions, creating a tense and action-packed scene.
The protective instincts of the officers kick into high gear as they work together to protect the royal family from the armed assailants and steer the car toward safety. As the intense chase unfolds, Jake and Ryde manage to maintain communication with their headquarters, keeping them updated on the perilous situation while grappling with the armed attackers. The pursuit eventually comes to a halt, leading to a tense standoff.
In a gripping battle, Jake and Ryde, alongside the surprising support of Isa, engage in a fierce exchange of bullets and close combat with the attackers. To their amazement, Isa reveals her exceptional combat skills, effectively defending the group and contributing to the shift in momentum against the assailants. Ryde, who's been captivated by Isa's remarkable abilities, decides to make a daring, sacrificial play to turn the tide in their favor. He puts himself in harm's way, getting seriously injured but creating an opportunity for the others to regroup and launch a counterattack.
Just when it seems like the odds are against them, Chet and Moses arrive on the scene to assist. Their arrival reinforces the team and helps to overpower the remaining attackers. The combined efforts of the officers and their allies led to the successful elimination of the assailants, ending the harrowing ordeal. Jake and Ryde are taken to a hospital and Chet and Moses escort the royalty.
Following the intense confrontation, Jonah and Gareth express their concern and frustration to the department, asserting that Jake and Ryde took unnecessary risks during the attack, potentially jeopardizing the safety of the royal family. Gareth even complains to the department, escalating the situation.
Phil calls Jake and Ryde, commending them for their bravery but also reprimanding them for their actions during the attack. He expresses genuine concern for their well-being after their injuries and plans to visit them at the hospital.
Amid the growing danger, Gareth, fearing for the princess's safety, decides to expedite the surgery, scheduling it for the same day. Princess Seraphina's medical procedure will also take place at the same hospital.
Jonah visits Ryde and Jake at the hospital, where they are both in bad condition but still conscious. Ryde receives a drip, while Jake is attended to by a nurse for his wounds. Jonah wishes them well but delivers the harsh news that they are being taken off the case. In a demeaning tone, he suggests that they should consider pursuing a different career, implying that they are ill-suited for the demands of their current roles.
Deeply disheartened by the turn of events and their removal from the case, Jake and Ryde find themselves in a gloomy mood. Jake is especially emotional, and his despondency is palpable. Ryde, however, tries to lift his partner's spirits during this challenging time. As they wallow in their disappointment, they can't help but notice something unusual about the hospital staff. Many of the staff members appear exceptionally muscular for hospital employees. They joke about the hospital having a "brotherhood" of exceptionally fit workers, all of whom seem to sport the same tattoo on their arms.
In a moment of realization, Jake suddenly recalls seeing that very same tattoo somewhere before. He recollects a moment from their first meeting with Princess Seraphina, where she invited them for lunch and drew a different version of the logo, which is the official emblem of Imaginaria. Ryde also remembers the princess's drawing and, with a jolt of insight, recalls seeing the same emblem somewhere else, upon pondering he says the guy at the hotel, the delivery guy.
In a synchronized moment, they both exclaim, "Ahh," as they begin to piece the puzzle together. At the very moment of their revelation, the light in their hospital room flickers to life, signifying that they may be onto something significant.
Jake and Ryde, driven by their newfound revelation, urgently Google the emblem and its variation. To their shock, they discover that the variation is the emblem used by the rebel forces of the Kingdom of Imaginaria. Their hearts race as they realize the gravity of the situation. Without wasting a moment, they rush to find Jonah and Gareth.
With Ryde still hooked up to his drip stand, they approach the two officers and reveal their findings, insisting that the safety of the royal family must be the top priority. Jonah and Gareth commend them for their diligence, and Jonah steps out of the room to make a call, silently signaling to Gareth. As soon as Jonah leaves, Gareth's demeanor takes a sinister turn. He withdraws a concealed gun and begins to taunt the duo, stating that they had unknowingly played their part well until now, and their impulsive actions were unnecessary in the climax. He questions why they had to act out at this crucial moment.
Before Gareth can make a move, Jake, in a split-second decision, seizes a nearby dirty bedpan and skillfully disarms him. In a quick and daring maneuver, they escape from the room, determined to protect the princess and unravel the conspiracy that has ensnared them. As Jake pushes Ryde on the wheeled hospital bed, the duo embarks on a daring escape through the hospital's labyrinthine corridors. Bullets whiz past them, and Jake shouts instructions to Ryde to provide covering fire. Ryde, with his unerring aim and a burst of flair, manages to disarm several adversaries with well-placed shots while ducking behind the bed for cover. In one particularly memorable moment, he uses a defibrillator paddle unit to knock down an opponent, causing him to jolt comically and uncontrollably.
While they clear their path through the hospital, Jake and Ryde remain in close contact with Chet and Moses. They relay vital information, including their suspicion of Jonah's involvement in the conspiracy, and the urgency of safeguarding the royal family. However, their attempt to contact HQ for backup reveals that their communication lines have been compromised. This adds a layer of complexity to their predicament, heightening the tension and urgency of their mission.
On the hospital's multiple floors, intense firefights erupt. Amid the chaos, they utilize elements of slapstick comedy in their fight sequences, such as mistaking a janitor's cart for a barricade and an inadvertent collision that results in their enemies inadvertently disarming themselves. They stumble upon a supply closet and make creative use of medical supplies to fend off their adversaries.
As they approach the room where the royalty is located, they engage in a comedic action sequence. At one point, Jake uses a rolling chair as an improvised weapon, sending it careening down a hallway to knock over pursuing foes like a set of bowling pins. Ryde manages to disarm an opponent using a rolling IV stand, turning it into a makeshift pole weapon. As Jake and Ryde neared the room where the royal family was located, they suddenly realized they were out of ammunition and surrounded by ten adversaries. They braced themselves for a fierce confrontation, ready to use any means to defend the princess. However, just when it seemed their luck had run out, a surprising savior emerged. Isa burst onto the scene, guns blazing, to rescue them from their predicament. With her expert marksmanship, she quickly turned the tables, depowering the group of goons who had cornered Jake and Ryde.
Unbeknownst to the trio, Jonah and Gareth were watching the events unfold from security cameras in the control room. Jonah decided it was time to make his escape and arranged for a helicopter to pick him up. However, Gareth was unwilling to accept defeat so close to victory. Jonah left him behind, and Gareth rushed to the princess's room, believing he could still complete his mission.
But Gareth walked into a trap set by Isa, Moses, and Chet. He emptied his gun on what he thought was Princess Seraphina but turned out to be a dummy. Before he could react, Isa's lightning-fast high kick took him down, and he was subdued. Meanwhile, Jake and Ryde made their way toward the roof to confront Jonah, determined not to let him escape. As they climbed the stairs, Jonah took a moment to undermine them, fueled by his unwavering belief that he had outsmarted his pursuers. He thought that by causing chaos in the hospital, including triggering an emergency lockdown protocol, he had effectively blocked their path and created a diversion that would enable him to make a clean getaway. Jonah had even hacked into the hospital's security system, further strengthening his conviction that his exit was secured. With this arsenal of tactics at his disposal, he was supremely confident that he would evade capture. Just as Jake and Ryde contemplated their options, they noticed the mime from their earlier encounters in an adjacent corridor. The mime performed a series of actions, signaling them to wait for something. Curious and uncertain, Jake and Ryde watched as the mime continued with his miming.
As Jonah reached the roof and stepped out, he suddenly hit an invisible barrier and tumbled off the edge. At that very moment, Jake and Ryde seized the opportunity and made their way to capture Jonah. The mime's unexpected intervention had saved the day. To their surprise, it turned out that the mime also worked in the window business and was on the roof to install a new window. His unexpected role in their mission added an amusing twist to the day's events.
Jonah and Gareth confess that Gareth is a member of the rebellion. They couldn't directly attack the beloved royalty, so they planned to assassinate the princess during surgery, knowing that it would emotionally devastate the king and make it easier for the rebellion to take control. Jonah's involvement, on the other hand, was solely for the money, revealing that his illustrious career was built on corrupt actions.
In the aftermath of the operation, Phil, Moses, Chet, and Bunker commend Jake and Ryde for their unwavering dedication and heroic efforts. As a token of appreciation, the duo is awarded medals for their exceptional service. With the threat neutralized, the royal family is now prepared to return to their kingdom. In a tearful farewell, Jake and Ryde bid adieu to Princess Seraphina. However, in a touching and surprising moment, Isa steps forward and steals a kiss from Ryde. Overwhelmed by this unexpected display of affection, Ryde examines his wounds and declares that it is all worth it. As the princess sits in her car ready to depart, she extends an invitation to Jake and Ryde, inviting them to Imaginaria for dinner. The journey may be over, but new adventures await.
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