Popoz (2015)

Directed by: Martijn Smits, Erwin van den Eshof | 86 minutes | action, comedy | Actors: Huub Smit, Sergio Hasselbaink, Noel Deelen, Pierre Bokma, Leo Alkemade, Uriah Arnhem, Henriëtte Tol, Roeland Fernhout, Markoesa Hamer, Fabian Jansen, Ancilla Tilia, Yolanthe Sneijder-Cabau, René van Asten, Christine van Stralen, Zoi Gorman Selma Copijn

Ivo (Huub Smit) and Randy (Sergio Hasselbaink) are two unguided projectiles who happen to have successfully completed the police academy. The two friends do their job with heart and soul, but their brash and brash actions often get them into trouble. The series ‘Popoz’ was a hit on Comedy Central. The sketches of about twenty minutes were often repeated and a real storyline could hardly be discovered. In the inevitable feature film, an attempt has been made to do something about the latter.

Just as the two officers on patrol sigh that it’s been a long time since they’ve seen real action, they see a car drive away with a broken taillight. A broken taillight! Ivo and Randy immediately give chase and that is the start of a series of accidents, disasters and calamities. The gentlemen are put on their number by their rude boss (Henriëtte Tol), suspended and after a week or two they can get back to work. They are looking forward to it, because they will solve the case of their much more skilled colleagues.

‘Popoz’ is as vulgar as it is mealy. The lame humor is so specific, you really have to love it. This is reflected in the exaggerated action scenes, which become very predictable once you understand how the cogs in the makers’ brains turn. The dream sequence in which the agents daydream about the sexy Leo (Ancilla Tilia) also feels old when it just starts. Fortunately, the makers also know that they are not taken seriously, so all registers are pulled out to make full use of that. When an explosion kills, you will clearly see dolls tumbling out. And the biggest opponent of the two – a very creepy-looking Pierre Bokma – what a time that grime must have taken! – has a ‘weapon’ that is so ridiculous, it makes you smile.

However, for most people, “Popoz” will be a pointless pastime. If you’re too annoyed by the imperfections in a slump movie, the time you invest in it won’t outweigh the minimal entertainment.