Except that Let's Be Cops is a buddy-cop film where the cops aren't cops.

When best friends Ryan and Justin inadvertently turn up to a masquerade party dressed as very authentic-looking cops, they leave embarrassed.

Deciding to make the best of a bad evening, the two pose as police officers for the rest of the night and have a great time.

In the cold light of day, Justin returns to his job as a video game developer but the unemployed and ambitious Ryan decides to keep the charade going.

He buys an old patrol car, studies the lingo and convinces Justin to keep up the charade. 

But when the pair get in too deep and become tangled up with a vicious gang, it all gets too real for these pranksters.

Anyone heading into Let’s Be Cops with mid to high expectations will most likely be disappointed as the end credits roll.

Let’s Be Cops never pretends to take itself seriously and works hard to keep the laughs flowing even as the bullets fly.

But as the film winds its way to a climax, the tone does dip its toe into a darker pool of water.

During Justin’s presentation of his new video game, he describes the real fear and helplessness of being pursued by a gang. 

At the same time we see Ryan trying to outrun a gang who have realised he isn’t a real cop.

Heading up the cast is Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr.

The two comedians and actors work together on television’s New Girl and are recognisable from productions including The Other Guys and Happy Endings (Wayans) and 21 Jump Street and Drinking Buddies (Johnson).

Supporting Wayans and Johnson are Rob Riggle (21 Jump Street, The Hangover), Nina Dobrev (The Vampire Diaries, The Perks of Being a Wallpaper) and Andy Garcia (Oceans 11, 12 and 13).

The cast and director Luke Greenfield (The Animal, The Girl Next Door, Something Borrowed) uses a lot of improvisation and does a good job of keeping the film light with just dashes of violence.

This buddy-cop flick is worth a look and will suit a boy’s night out or anyone looking for a few laughs.

Let’s Be Cops (M) is now showing at Bendigo Cinemas. See page 3 of the Bendigo Advertiser for session times and details.

Follow film reviewer Chris Pedler on Twitter @FilmNerdChris