What starts out as a simple (minded) mismatched duo — a strict police officer (Reese Witherspoon) and the widow (Sofía Vergara) of a drug boss — who end up going on a Texas-style road trip, largely to keep the widow one step ahead of the forces out to keep her quiet, turns into the basis for a standard buddy comedy. Director Anne Fletcher (The Proposal) seeks to maintain a light attitude amidst the high-octane action but, as is always the case, Hot Pursuit will live and die thanks to the chemistry that results between Witherspoon and Vergara. (Opens wide Friday, May 8) (PG-13) Not screened in time for review
This article appears in May 6-12, 2015.