CHiPs Review: Flat Jokes, Zero Chemistry, Total Bust

Introduction

The idea of a modern, R-rated take on the classic '70s cop show CHiPs promised a wild ride, a chance to inject some anarchic energy into a familiar premise. With Dax Shepard at the helm as writer-director and co-star, alongside the always-reliable Michael Peña, anticipation brewed for a buddy-cop flick that could deliver both laughs and high-octane action. The stage was set for a comedic reboot, but did it rev its engine or stall out?

The Lead Dynamic & The Action

At the core of any buddy-cop film lies the undeniable chemistry between its leads. Here, CHiPs falters spectacularly. Despite Michael Peña's consistent ability to bring an endearing comedic quality to any role, his efforts are largely in vain. The dynamic with Dax Shepard's character simply does not click. What should be a fun, evolving partnership feels like a toxic, forced pairing, leaving audiences feeling like they are enduring a bad breakup rather than enjoying a comedic journey.

The film attempts a character reversal, casting Dax Shepard's ex-BMX biker as the naive, straight-edge rookie trying to save his marriage, while Michael Peña's FBI agent is the crude, womanizing hothead. This inversion, however, feels less like clever subversion and more like a confused identity crisis for both characters. The humor, too, struggles to land. Many jokes feel inorganic, shoehorned into the plot rather than naturally emerging from the situations. A high-speed chase, for instance, features civilian casualties played for a quick, unfunny paparazzi gag, leaving a lingering question about the lack of consequences.

Cameos, Nostalgia & Narrative Stakes

Beyond the strained character dynamics, the narrative stakes in CHiPs are consistently undermined by a disregard for basic logic. The film frequently asks its audience to suspend disbelief to an absurd degree, not for comedic effect, but out of sheer narrative convenience. Explosions that level buildings leave characters miraculously unscathed, a phenomenon that even classic comedies like "The 'Burbs" at least acknowledge with a humorous nod. This constant bending of reality without a comedic payoff makes it difficult to invest in any of the film's supposed dangers or plot developments.

There's also a peculiar reliance on obscure, blink-and-you'll-miss-it character introductions for later jokes, leaving many viewers scratching their heads rather than laughing. The film seems to expect a level of recall for fleeting moments that simply isn't earned, further highlighting its disjointed approach to storytelling.

Tone, Direction & Creative Freedom

Dax Shepard's direction and script often feel like a rough draft, lacking the polish and coherence expected from a major studio release. The film's physics, in particular, are a recurring point of contention. A bulletproof cookie sheet analogy perfectly encapsulates the film's approach to realism: a sniper rifle would tear through it, yet the movie expects audiences to accept similar logical leaps without question. This isn't about comedic exaggeration; it's about a fundamental misunderstanding of how to build a believable, even if absurd, world.

The overall tone oscillates wildly, struggling to balance its R-rated raunchiness with any genuine heart or consistent humor. It feels like a film that was given creative freedom but didn't quite know what to do with it, resulting in a chaotic and ultimately unsatisfying experience.

The Final Verdict

Ultimately, CHiPs is a film that struggles to find its footing, its humor, or its heart. The lack of on-screen chemistry between its leads, coupled with a script that consistently misses the mark and a world that defies all logic, makes for a frustrating viewing experience. Despite Michael Peña's best efforts, this buddy-cop reboot crashes and burns, leaving audiences praying for the credits to roll. It's a cinematic misfire that offers little to recommend, proving that some reboots are best left on the drawing board.