Ride Along 2
As his wedding day approaches, Ben heads to Miami with his soon-to-be brother-in-law James to bring down a drug dealer who's supplying the dealers of Atlanta with product.
Despite a respectable budget of $40.0M, Ride Along 2 became a box office success, earning $124.8M worldwide—a 212% return.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Ride Along 2 (2016) demonstrates carefully calibrated dramatic framework, characteristic of Tim Story's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 42 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.3, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Ben Barber is now a rookie cop in Atlanta, celebrating his upcoming wedding to Angela and his acceptance into the police force. Despite his new badge, he's still eager to prove himself to his future brother-in-law James.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when James gets a lead on his case that requires him to go to Miami. His captain suggests he take Ben along, which James initially resists but is essentially forced to accept.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 26 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 26% of the runtime. This reveals the protagonist's commitment to Ben and James arrive in Miami and meet homicide detective Maya Cruz and her tech-savvy partner. Ben actively chooses to fully commit to the investigation, determined to prove he can be a real asset to James., moving from reaction to action.
At 51 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat False victory: Ben makes a genuine contribution to the case by discovering a key connection between AJ and Pope. James briefly acknowledges Ben's help, making Ben feel he's finally earning respect. They get closer to Pope and feel they're about to crack the case., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 75 minutes (73% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Ben's recklessness leads to a failed operation where Pope escapes and key evidence is destroyed. James explodes at Ben, telling him he'll never be a real detective and should go home. Ben is devastated, believing he's lost James's respect forever and ruined his chance to prove himself., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 81 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Ben realizes the key to catching Pope by combining his gamer instincts with real detective work. He discovers Pope's location and endgame. Instead of rushing in, he develops an actual strategic plan, synthesizing what James taught him with his own strengths., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Ride Along 2's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Ride Along 2 against these established plot points, we can identify how Tim Story utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Ride Along 2 within the action genre.
Tim Story's Structural Approach
Among the 10 Tim Story films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.2, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Ride Along 2 represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Tim Story filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Tim Story analyses, see Fantastic Four, Think Like a Man Too and Shaft.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Ben Barber is now a rookie cop in Atlanta, celebrating his upcoming wedding to Angela and his acceptance into the police force. Despite his new badge, he's still eager to prove himself to his future brother-in-law James.
Theme
James tells Ben that being a real detective means earning respect through competence, not just enthusiasm. The theme of proving yourself through actions rather than words is established.
Worldbuilding
Ben is still the enthusiastic but inept rookie, constantly trying to impress James. James is investigating a Miami-based hacker connected to a drug smuggling operation. Ben is planning his wedding while struggling with basic police work.
Disruption
James gets a lead on his case that requires him to go to Miami. His captain suggests he take Ben along, which James initially resists but is essentially forced to accept.
Resistance
Ben debates whether to go to Miami or focus on his wedding. Angela encourages him to go, seeing it as a bonding opportunity with James. James reluctantly agrees to bring Ben, laying down strict ground rules.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Ben and James arrive in Miami and meet homicide detective Maya Cruz and her tech-savvy partner. Ben actively chooses to fully commit to the investigation, determined to prove he can be a real asset to James.
Mirror World
Maya Cruz becomes the thematic mirror - a capable, respected detective who treats Ben as an equal partner unlike James. She represents what Ben aspires to become and shows him that respect is earned through competence.
Premise
The fun of Miami cop work: high-speed chases, beachside stakeouts, infiltrating clubs, and comedic misadventures. Ben's enthusiasm leads to both comic disasters and unexpected small wins. The team investigates the hacker AJ and his connection to businessman Antonio Pope.
Midpoint
False victory: Ben makes a genuine contribution to the case by discovering a key connection between AJ and Pope. James briefly acknowledges Ben's help, making Ben feel he's finally earning respect. They get closer to Pope and feel they're about to crack the case.
Opposition
Pope becomes aware of their investigation and starts covering his tracks. Ben's impulsive actions put the case and team in danger. James's frustration with Ben grows. The wedding deadline approaches, adding pressure. Pope's corruption runs deeper than expected.
Collapse
Ben's recklessness leads to a failed operation where Pope escapes and key evidence is destroyed. James explodes at Ben, telling him he'll never be a real detective and should go home. Ben is devastated, believing he's lost James's respect forever and ruined his chance to prove himself.
Crisis
Ben considers quitting and going home to focus on the wedding. He has a moment of reflection about whether he really has what it takes. Maya reminds him that real detectives don't give up, and that his unique perspective has value even if James can't see it yet.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Ben realizes the key to catching Pope by combining his gamer instincts with real detective work. He discovers Pope's location and endgame. Instead of rushing in, he develops an actual strategic plan, synthesizing what James taught him with his own strengths.
Synthesis
The final confrontation with Pope. Ben executes his plan, working seamlessly with James and the team. He uses both his unconventional thinking and proper police procedure. James and Ben fight Pope's crew together, with Ben saving James's life and proving his worth as a detective.
Transformation
Back in Atlanta at the wedding, James publicly acknowledges Ben as a real detective and his partner. Ben has transformed from an overeager rookie seeking validation into a confident cop who earned respect through competence. James has learned to respect Ben's unique approach.