Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol

Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol has quietly become one of the more dependable comedies currently available in Australia on HBO Max. The runtime earns every minute, with nothing here that feels like padding. A 6/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Steve Guttenberg sets the tone, and the rest of the cast matches it scene for scene. Start it on HBO Max whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

There is a reason Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol keeps coming up in conversation. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol from the crowd. A new batch of recruits arrives at Police Academy, this time a group of civilian volunteers who have joined Commandant Lassard's new Citizens on Patrol program. Although the community relations project has strong governmental support, a disgusted Captain Harris is determined to see it fail. Steve Guttenberg and Bubba Smith lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 1987. What keeps Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol from feeling disposable is a cast that clearly understands the material better than the format usually demands. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol is the kind of thing you put on in the background and end up fully watching. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Steve Guttenberg anchors an ensemble with real chemistry. Genuinely funny, consistently, across the whole run.