SYNOPSIS: In “Hot Pursuit,” an uptight and by-the-book cop (Witherspoon) tries to protect the sexy and outgoing widow (Vergara) of a drug boss as they race through Texas, pursued by crooked cops and murderous gunmen.

REVIEW: If you are fond of Sheldon from 'Big Bang Theory', then you will probably like this movie. Reese Witherspoon plays the part of an intense, uptight cop named Cooper, whose literal understanding of the world makes her awkward in social situations. She is a female Sheldon. Witherspoon acts the part well; she's even a little endearing when she recites police codes in an attempt to relax her nerves.

Cooper is tasked to protect the sexy-and-not-afraid-to-use-it widow of a drug boss, Daniella Riva (Sofia Vergara). Together, Cooper and Riva race through Texas to evade two sets of adversaries -- crooked cops and gunmen. The comedy is a little predictable. Vergara plays her typical role of a flirtatious, high maintenance Latina who slows them down with her suitcase full of high-heeled shoes. But they are a few laugh-out-loud moments, like when Vergara and Witherspoon pretend to be lesbians to detract from the police being called after they tried to steal a truck. Vergara seductively trying to smooch, while awkward and confused, Witherspoon trying to pull away is quite entertaining.

It is worth mentioning that Cooper's dad used to be a cop before he died. He was highly respected, and so the 'Cooper' name held dignity and honor. But when Witherspoon became a cop, she fired her stun-gun and lit someone on fire after hearing some kids yell 'shotgun'. Since that episode, she became the brunt of many a joke (some even though the story was an urban myth, with it being so unbelievable), and ended up basically being a glorified secretary at the police station. So Cooper's task to protect Riva gave her a shot at doing real police work and earning some self-respect.

In the end Cooper succeeded in her task and managed to keep Riva safe, though Riva tried to escape many times, making the job that much harder. Cooper regained her dignity, and the phrase 'you Cooper'd it' became a compliment rather than an insult.

'Hot Pursuit' had its amusing moments thanks to the antics of the Sheldon-like (Big Bang Theory) Cooper, and the drama of the high maintenance Riva. Three stars out of five is fair. Not worth the effort to go to the movie theaters, but definitely a light-hearted comedy to watch on the weekend

MORE MOVIE REVIEWS >>>