The buddy cop comedy genre holds a special place in my heart, as the best on-screen chemistry can often elevate even the weakest narratives. However, in recent years, this genre has faced challenges in recapturing its former glory, with only a few films, such as the latest Bad Boys sequels and Shane Black’s The Nice Guys, keeping the spirit alive. Unfortunately, Netflix’s Almost Cops, a Dutch take on the genre, plays it too safe and lacks the vibrant energy that fans expect, failing to deliver a truly enjoyable throwback experience.

Directed by Gonzalo Fernández Carmona, Almost Cops follows Ramon, a Community Service Officer in Rotterdam who dreams of living up to his father’s legacy as a local police hero by ensuring his neighborhood remains safe and tidy. When Ramon is unexpectedly paired with Jack, a hotheaded detective demoted to CSO after the tragic death of his partner, the two must confront their differences. Their paths intertwine as they discover shared connections to the fallen detective, igniting a determination to uncover the truth behind the crime.

Almost Cops Falls Short in Delivering Edgy Comedy

A Mild R-Rated Comedy That Lacks Bite

While films like Bad Boys and Lethal Weapon have demonstrated that an R-rating can lead to a perfect blend of hilarity and action in the buddy cop genre, movies like the Rush Hour series and Martin Lawrence‘s National Security have shown that effective humor can also be crafted within the confines of a PG-13 rating. It’s disheartening to see how Almost Cops straddles the line of safety, failing to fully embrace its mature rating to deliver the edgy comedy one would expect.

The film’s dialogue appears to target older audiences, yet it does so without any significant impact. The use of profanity feels forced, aiming to attract fans of R-rated comedies without providing genuine humor. Many visual gags fail to evoke hearty laughter; whether it’s the awkward moments of borderline sexual harassment, like an officer roaming the locker room in the nude while others look on in discomfort, or peculiar chase scenes that merely induce mild chuckles, the humor doesn’t land effectively.

Much of the film’s comedic attempts hinge on the contrasting personalities of Ramon and Jack. Ramon is portrayed as a strict, law-abiding do-gooder, while Jack embodies the reckless spirit of a renegade. While this mismatched dynamic is a classic trope within the buddy cop subgenre, it fails to generate true entertainment value here. The lack of memorable exchanges between the characters is glaring, and many of their conversations include nods to far superior films.

Almost Cops’ Storyline Is Predictable and Uninspired

Viewers Can Predict the Ending from the Start

Similar to the humor, the storyline within the buddy cop genre rarely surprises audiences, as lead characters typically resolve their conflicts, ultimately leading to a triumphant conclusion. However, the plot of Almost Cops stands out as particularly egregious for its adherence to formulaic conventions, presenting few unexpected twists. The simple premise of two contrasting officers uniting to solve a crime could have been engaging, yet the identity of the culprits is blatantly obvious throughout the film.

From the film’s opening scene, wherein Ramon envisions himself heroically stopping a bank heist and being celebrated as the “Best CSO” in his community, it’s apparent that the climax will culminate in an epic showdown where he confronts the antagonist. Coupled with action sequences that lack tension and are executed with minimal flair, the viewer’s investment wanes significantly. Even a movie like Let’s Be Cops, featuring Damon Wayans Jr. and Jake Johnson, manages to leave a more lasting impression despite its own predictability.

Jandino Asporaat Brings Charisma to His Role

Supporting Cast Falls Flat in Performance

As the narrative centers on the investigation and quirky dynamic between Ramon and Jack, both Jandino Asporaat and Werner Kolf serve as the film’s anchor. Unfortunately, it becomes increasingly disappointing that only Asporaat, portraying Ramon, delivers a commendable performance. Kolf plays the straight-man role a bit too earnestly, resulting in a rather stony portrayal, whereas Asporaat successfully captures Ramon’s eccentricities, making him a relatable and likable lead.

Regrettably, the rest of the cast in Almost Cops fails to leave a memorable impression, as their one-dimensional characters do not resonate. Ferdi Stofmeel attempts to portray a comic relief character but falls short on the humor front, while Mark Rietman does not shine as the film’s antagonist. Whether the intention was to offer a clever parody of classic buddy cop films or a fresh spin on the genre, the creative team behind this project ultimately struggled to capture my interest.

Almost Cops begins streaming on Netflix on July 11, 2025.