Theatre Review: Police Cops Is The American Cop Comedy We Deserve
Police Cops is a 55 minute, American Cop extravaganza that shines a light on the America’s obsession with flags, police, and looking really brawny while doing random things like chewing a strand of hay. Police Cops is hilarious and almost too easy to gain a laugh, particularly, because it latches onto humanity’s penchant for stereotyping. Whether it is an image of who are “bad guys” or what is humility, Police Cops is the comedic mirror America needs right now, and it was done by 3 British guys.
If there is one thing that I hate and love, it is when someone knows me better than I know myself: flaws and glories. Written and directed by The Pretend Men, they have seemingly observed every cop movie of all time to create a pretty accurate conglomerate/ comedy about them. There is Nathan Parkinson as the “Mexican” super-villain, Fernandez, that has infiltrated our great states with his cartel. There is Zachary Hunt as Jimmy Johnson; the rookie cop who tragically lost his brother, and swears to be the best damn American cop EVER! Then, there is Tom Roe as Harrison; the constantly retiring cop who has a major chip on his shoulder that, of course, becomes soft with a nice country trip to the farm; where stacking hay and breeding horses magically cures all his traumas and alcoholism. Together with Jimmy, Harrison becomes part of a Miami Vice cop duo that steals the hearts of its town’s people, and cleans up the streets from crime and corrupt cops.
Personally, I am embarrassed by how much I laughed OUT LOUD! I was unabashed in my giggles, and the The Pretend Men were cracking each other up with their bits of improv. From their choreography to their sheer physicality and transforming into multiple characters in less than an hour was brilliant. Even if you were the most STOIC man alive, you would appreciate The Pretend Men’s creativity, dedication, and intelligent observations on how society traps itself with its now idea of itself.
There were several moments in Police Cops when I said, “Oh my god….. that is us!” In America, especially recently, Latinos are portrayed as the bad guys that need to be tossed away before they drug everyone. Moreover, there is an idea that going off to the country-side and playing with dirt means your humble. Even more over, we do glorify cops as supernatural beings that are infallible and incorruptible, while simultaneously discussing the idea of the “dirty cop”. The point is we attribute/ attach spiritual values to material images that do not, necessarily, match. From a cop to a Latino, people are just people making choices, and, amidst amazingly funny laughs, The Pretend Me show that. Do not get tripped up and what you are told a virtue looks like because, frankly, it has no look; it simply is. For instance, Police Cops has the virtues of wisdom and joy, and is playing till July 1 on 59E59 Theatres. Located on 59 E 59th St, New York, NY 10022.
Also, Check Out their sequel Police Cops In Space. The Pretend Men are unstoppably smart and refreshing to NYC’s comedy scene, which makes both their shows must-sees. Click Here To Buy Tickets.
