CHiPs (Movie)

This US buddy cop action comedy film based on the original hit TV show bombed at the box-office and, in retrospect, has divided opinion from a 'low IQ outing' to 'a delightful throwback to a bygone era'

^{Review by Sunday Simmons}

With an iconic opening theme and a couple of Kawasakis roaring to life down California’s highways, CHiPs was essential viewing for this 80s kid. Using the tried and tested trope of streetwise meets straightlaced partnership, this popular crime action drama ran for 6 seasons between 1977 and 1983, and left behind a strong fan base who would’ve loved to see more. This wish was granted in 1989 when hunky, macho man Frank ‘Poncho’ Poncherelli (Erik Estrada) and ‘do it all by the book’ partner Jon Baker (Larry Wilcox) were reunited for a one off made for television movie. Great, but we wanted more! And it would be another 28 years before that wish came true.

Written, directed and starring Dax Shepherd, CHiPs the movie hit the screens in 2017 to a somewhat lukewarm reception from critics, and it bombed at the box office. But don’t let that put you off! This film does exactly what it says on the packet. It’s a buddy movie, action, crime, and revives the legendary pairing of Poncho and Baker and their roaring Kawasakis with humour and irreverence. In short, it’s a bloody fun movie!

With Dax Shepherd (Without a Paddle, Idiocracy) in the role of Jon Baker, and Michael Pena (Ant-Man, Narcos) as Poncho, ChiPs has some laugh out loud moments, notably due to Pena’s cracking one liners. When rookie cop Jon Baker joins the California Highway Patrol, he’s paired up with undercover FBI agent Frank Poncherello, and the rest is pretty much what we came to expect from the original series – highway pile ups, wisecracking humour, drug busts, and explosions a plenty as the pair chase down the bad guys. For what it’s worth, I find this movie highly entertaining. Could it have been better executed? Probably. Is it an enjoyable wedge of irreverent action comedy? Yes.

With opening credits stating ‘The California Highway Patrol does not endorse this film. At all.’ you know from the get-go how irreverent this movie will be, and it doesn’t disappoint. Shepherd and Pena work well together, bouncing off each other as their very different characters clash, but ultimately gel. It’s also worth noting that Shepherd did many of his own stunts, just as Erik Estrada and Larry Wilcox had in the original series. CHiPs also boasts a strong supporting cast, including Kristen Bell (Burlesque, Veronica Mars), Adam Brody (Gilmore Girls, Jennifer’s Body), and Vincent D’Onofrio (Daredevil, Full Metal Jacket), with a cameo from Erik Estrada thrown in for good measure.

I’d actually go as far as to say this movie is a criminally overlooked comedy gem, and I can’t actually figure out why it had such a negative response when it was released. If online reviews are to be trusted (and why wouldn’t they be?), I’m happy to report this film gets some pretty decent feedback. And if you’re a fan of spin off movies, over the top action, often vulgar college style humour, or you’re just looking for something to watch that may have fallen under your radar, CHiPs is available to stream now on Netflix.