Watch Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol

Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol is a 1987 comedy film directed by Jim Drake and stars Steve Guttenberg, Bubba Smith, Michael Winslow, and many other actors. This installment of the Police Academy franchise follows the usual formula of absurd gags and slapstick humor, but with a twist. The plot centers around a new program called Citizens on Patrol (COP), which recruits civilians to assist the police force in keeping the streets safe.

After a spate of crimes in the neighborhood, the Mayor decides to launch the COP program under the guidance of Commandant Lassard (George Gaynes) and Sgt. Carey Mahoney (Guttenberg). The program is met with mixed reactions from the public, as many are skeptical about the effectiveness of this new initiative. Nonetheless, a diverse group of citizens sign up for the program, including a TV news reporter (Corinne Bohrer), a hardware store owner (David Graf), a teenage delinquent (Brian Backer), and even a Native American businessman (Tab Thacker).

Training for the COP program begins, and the recruits are put through their paces, learning the necessary skills to become community protectors. There is a hilarious montage of training scenes featuring the return of some familiar characters from the previous movies, such as Tackleberry (Graf) and Jones (Winslow), providing plenty of laughs. Mahoney is initially skeptical about the program, but soon comes around when he sees the enthusiasm and dedication of the COP members.

Things take a more serious turn when Mahoney and his team discover a criminal conspiracy involving toxic waste dumping. They find themselves up against a wealthy and corrupt businessman who is determined to keep his illegal activities hidden from the public. Mahoney enlists the help of his COP team to infiltrate the villain's organization and bring him to justice. This leads to a series of comedic setpieces, such as a car chase through a shopping mall and a chaotic sequence involving remote-controlled toy cars.

Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol is a lighthearted and enjoyable comedy that delivers plenty of laughs. The film is not meant to be taken seriously, and viewers should not expect a deep exploration of social issues or a nuanced storyline. Instead, the movie is all about silly gags, over-the-top humor, and outrageous stunts. The cast is excellent, and the chemistry between the characters is fantastic. There is a great sense of camaraderie among the COP members, and the interactions between Mahoney and his fellow officers are both hilarious and heartwarming.

One of the strengths of Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol is its ability to balance humor with heart. The film acknowledges the important role that ordinary citizens can play in keeping their communities safe, and it celebrates the idea of working together for a common goal. There are some genuinely touching moments in the film, such as when Mahoney bonds with a troubled youth and helps him turn his life around. These moments add depth to what could have been a one-note comedy.

In conclusion, Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol is a fun and entertaining movie that is perfect for viewers who enjoy silly humor and slapstick comedy. The film is well-written, well-acted, and loaded with laughs. It is a welcome addition to the Police Academy franchise, and a great example of how to make a successful comedy. Fans of the series will find plenty to enjoy here, and newcomers will be delighted by the sheer hilarity on display.

Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol is a 1987 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0 and a MetaScore of 26.