Dax Shepard seems to be pulling an Orson Welles (or an Ed Wood, depending on how it all turns out) by writing, directing, producing, and acting (as co-lead Jon Baker) in the new CHiPS remake, based on the popular cop show starring Erik Estrada (forever known, to me at least, as the voice of Marco from SEALAB 2021). Joining him, in the aforementioned Estrada role of "Ponch", is none other than Michael Pena. Here's the official synopsis for the film:
Jon Baker and Frank “Ponch” Poncherello have just joined the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in Los Angeles but for very different reasons. Baker is a beaten up pro motorbiker trying to put his life and marriage back together. Poncherello is a cocky undercover Federal agent investigating a multi-million dollar heist that may be an inside job—inside the CHP. The inexperienced rookie and hardened pro are teamed together, but clash more than click, so kickstarting a partnership is easier said than done. But with Baker’s bike skills combined with Ponch’s street savvy it might just work…if they don’t drive each other crazy along the way.
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And here's the one-sheet:
Like the adaptation itself, I'm conflicted. It sets up the tone perfect (action, comedy, the bromance between the two leads), but the tagline "Chip Happens" is unfortunate. It seems more appropriate as a tagline for some EXXXTREME Dorito's flavor thought up by an out-of-touch 60-year old ad agent. Probably the same age as the guy who came up with that shit.
However, despite all that, the film could still be good. Other irreverant adaptations of TV shows (like the recent JUMP STREET series) have been successful, both commercially and critically, so there's nothing saying this can't too.
Meanwhile, the trailer for the film will premiere tonight on JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE! So look out for that!
Either way, CHiPS will come screeching into theaters March 24th, 2017.
