Buddy cop comedies are known for their fun dynamics and thrilling action, often relying on the chemistry between the lead characters to make the story enjoyable, even when the plot falls short.
However, Netflix’s Almost Cops, a Dutch take on the genre, doesn’t quite hit the mark. While the film tries to tap into the charm of classics like Bad Boys and Rush Hour, it ultimately plays it too safe, missing many opportunities to make the audience laugh and feel invested.
The Plot and Setup
Almost Cops centers on Ramon, a Community Service Officer (CSO) in Rotterdam who dreams of living up to his late father’s legacy as a respected police officer. Ramon is paired with Jack, a detective who has been demoted to a CSO after his partner’s tragic death.
As they both investigate the case of their late colleague, they develop an unlikely partnership and work together to uncover the truth. While the setup has potential, the execution falls flat, relying too heavily on predictable storylines.
Safe Comedy Choices
The buddy cop genre thrives on humor that can be edgy and unpredictable. Films like Bad Boys have demonstrated how R-rated content can boost comedy and action, while others like Rush Hour have done wonders with a PG-13 rating.
Almost Cops, however, plays it safe in terms of both humor and action. Despite its R-rating, the movie’s attempts at edgy humor feel forced, with profanity used merely for shock value, not for comedy.
Even the visual gags, like the recurring locker room scene, fail to make much of an impact. The jokes about the mismatched personalities of Ramon and Jack, though typical of the buddy cop formula, fail to generate real laughs.
A Predictable Storyline
One of the main issues with Almost Cops is its lack of surprises. From the beginning, it’s clear that the film will follow a predictable path. The two main characters—one uptight and rule-abiding, the other hot-headed and rebellious—eventually come together to solve the mystery surrounding their late colleague.
It’s a formula that’s been done countless times before, and Almost Cops does little to innovate. The plot feels overly familiar, and the story’s twists are painfully obvious from early on. Even the action scenes lack tension or excitement, making it hard for viewers to stay engaged.
Strong Performance from Jandino Asporaat
The film’s lead, Jandino Asporaat, stands out with his performance as Ramon. He brings a lot of charm to his character, making him likable even though the script doesn’t give him much to work with.
Asporaat’s portrayal of Ramon’s quirks is one of the film’s few bright spots. On the other hand, Werner Kolf, who plays Jack, feels a bit too stiff in his role as the straight man.
His performance doesn’t have the same spark, which makes their dynamic less enjoyable. Other supporting characters, like Ferdi Stofmeel’s humorous goof and Mark Rietman’s forgettable villain, also fail to make a lasting impression.
