Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment

Starring: Steve Guttenberg, Bubba Smith, Bobcat Goldthwait, David Graf, Michael Winslow
Written by: Neal Israel, Pat Proft

Director: Jerry Paris
Year: 1985

Rating: * * *   Stars       +       (Fan Bonus -  )  Total: * * *

The police force worst have graduated the Police Academy. Now, they are assigned a precinct. Lock your doors.

With crime on the rise, its tough for police all over, but none more so than Cpt. Pete Lassard's precinct. The Police Chief gives him just one month to turn things around. Pete turns to his brother, Commandant Eric Lassard and his police academy. Eric sends him six rookies; Mahoning (Steve Guttenberg), Hightower (Bubba Smith), Tackleberry (David Graf), "Motormouth" Jones (Michael Winslow), Hooks (Marion Ramsey), and Fackler (Bruce Mahler). But the rising crime isn't the only thing Cpt. Lassard has to deal with, slime ball Cpt. Mauser (Art Metrano) is promised Lassard's position if he fails to turn things around, and Mauser plans to sabotage the rookies efforts every chance he can.

The principle characters return, and with them their familiar comedy shtick. Mahoney continues to agitate his superiors with cruel pranks. Jones continues to showcase his vocal talents. Tackleberry is still a gun nut. Hooks, who made progress at the end of the first film, is still meek and mild throughout this film. What keeps Police Academy 2 fresh is the introduction of new characters, many of which stay on for additional sequels. Tackleberry gets partnered with a female motorcycle officer, Sgt. Kathleen Kirkland (Colleen Camp). Reluctant at first, he soon realizes she's crazier than he is. It's a match made in heaven. Bobcat Goldthwait, who translates his stand-up style of comedy to this film, is Zed, the gang leader that's been menacing the city. Sgt. Proctor (Lance Kinsey) is Mauser's bumbling stooge, who tries to help Mauser in his nefarious plan.

No depth of character, nor nail-biting action, but plenty of laughs. At this point in the Police Academy series, we see it still has plenty of steam that draws out its intended laughs.

SEE THE TRAILER: Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment