Hot Pursuit (2015) | Movie Review

Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara are simply too talented for this film. Why would I open a review with that statement instead of explaining the story or the issues with the movie? Because it demands to be stated immediately. Both of these actresses have shown repeatedly that they are much more than looks or sex appeal. Yet here, in their new film “Hot Pursuit”, it feels that is all that director Anne Fletcher remembers to capitalize on.

When Witherspoon first saunters into frame as Cooper, the stereotypical uptight cop living in her legendary father’s shadow, there is a glimmer of hope. Her comedy chops are evident, her flawless southern accent is prevalent. Even as she is told she will be given a chance to finally be a real cop and escort a cartel witness’ wife to court, even THEN we still have faith in The Reese.

By the time Cooper arrives at the home of Daniella Riva (Vergara), only to watch as Riva’s husband and Cooper’s partner go down in a tedious cliché of action-movie violence, at this moment we understand fully what it is that we are going to end up with. Witherspoon’s icy composure will thaw in Riva’s company, while Riva will learn to trust someone again, all while they ‘hysterically’ endure a “Midnight Run” full of crooked cops, cartel members, and bad costume design. These elements could have worked with a decent script and a better director, unfortunately “Hot Pursuit” ends up as the type of flick you run across on cable at 3 AM…right before you settle on a QVC blender event.

If these two are so talented, why doesn’t it work? Witherspoon is an Oscar winning actress with numerous successful comedies under her belt and Vergara is a bona fide TV sensation with her work on Modern Family, so why do these two not just light up the screen? The answer is simple: chemistry and story.

All the talent in the world cannot invoke the chemistry necessary to make a buddy-action film work, and these two just don’t gel. For a pairing like this to function, you need to believe whole-heartedly in the reluctant friendship, not shake your head and roll your eyes at every gag. The majority of the give-and-take between Witherspoon and Vergara feels entirely scripted, with little to no natural flow on display at all, and that is a death sentence for a film like this.

A portion of that lack of chemistry can also be laid at the foot of the script, as generic a mess as I’ve seen in some time. For a film starring two of Hollywood’s most prominent actresses, “Hot Pursuit” sure has no problem being sexist as hell. There are numerous attempts at sending up ‘sexist’ and ‘female’ situations, (watch as these two ladies mention periods, boobs, and more!) only for the script to lead them squarely into mocking and trivializing their own gender. The majority of the comedy here is groan-inducing at best.

There is a fresh twist in the final act revolving around Vergara’s character that almost single-handedly saves the film (and thankfully showcases Vergara’s actual acting ability instead of the amplified schtick she is forced to perform for most of the movie), but ultimately this ends up just being the sort of project both of these actresses should forget as soon as possible. Don’t get caught in this pursuit.

Aaron Peterson
The Hollywood Outsider