The Bad Boys franchise has become a staple in the “buddy cop” genre. The film delivered the expected goods, thanks to the banter of Martin Lawrence (Life) and Will Smith (Men in Black). Add in director Michael Bay (Armageddon) (the original Bad Boys helping to put him on the map), and over-the-top action and entertaining comedy ensued. The franchise needed a break after Bad Boys 2 in 2003 and its poor critical reception. Seventeen years later, Bad Boys for Life reminded viewers of why they loved this franchise in the first place. Directing duo Adil and Bilal (Bad Boys for Life) helped deliver what fans wanted: a knowingly funny and action-heavy adventure. The results delivered a “mostly” critical success and a massive financial one.
L-R: Martin Lawrence and Will Smith star in Columbia Pictures BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE. Photo by: Frank Masi. © 2024 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Four years after that, everyone’s favorite bad boys are back in the latest installment titled Bad Boys: Ride or Die. When their beloved, deceased Police Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano) is implicated in a corruption scandal, it’s up to detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) to clear his name. Along the way, this puts the iconic duo on the wrong side of the law. This includes being targeted by all of the corrupt and dangerous Miami criminals who want revenge against the pair.
L-R: Will Smith and Martin Lawrence star in Columbia Pictures BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE. Photo by: Frank Masi. © 2024 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
If you’re going into a Bad Boys movie, there’s only one key thing you can hope for: the chemistry of Lawrence and Smith being as effective as ever. In the case of Bad Boys: Ride or Die, I can safely say fans have nothing to worry about. Both actors’ banter is just as sharp and quick-witted as you would want. Being four films in, they seamlessly build on this relationship in ways that never feel forced. Instead, they focus on repeatedly ribbing one another for various quibbles, offering laugh-out-loud moments. That is because the film knows exactly what it is, using those lead performances as an anchor point.
Will Smith stars in Columbia Pictures BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE. Photo by: Frank Masi. © 2024 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
At its core, this Bad Boys film carries similar dynamics to any of its predecessors. The two titular detectives are thrown into a web of lies and espionage. Four films in, that formula could feel trite and rather dull. Along with Lawrence and Smith’s chemistry, the direction of Adil and Bilal helps steer away from those worries. That includes having a direction that takes focus away from their leads. Do not get me wrong, the classic Miami setting (i.e., fast cars, beautiful girls, and rap music) is front and center, but those moments never detract from what made this franchise a household name.
Martin Lawrence stars in Columbia Pictures BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE. Photo by: Frank Masi. © 2024 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Being released in 2024, its generic 1990s plot elements could leave some disappointed. The film has numerous reveals and “plot twists” seen in more movies than anyone can count. That includes particular characters who may be more wicked than they appear. Such twists can be predicted almost instantly. If viewers consider being able to anticipate those plot beats a bad thing, then Bad Boys: Ride or Die won’t be for you. Those who can forgive those “twists” can be easily swept up in the ride.
L-R: Will Smith and Martin Lawrence star in Columbia Pictures BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE. Photo by: Frank Masi. © 2024 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die shows that this franchise still has gas in the tank. If you’re not already on board, the film isn’t going to convert you to a fan. Instead, it’s going to deliver precisely what the fans want. That is Martin Lawrence and Will Smith delivering rapid-fire banter with tense and exciting action. There’s nothing in this fourth installment that reinvents the wheel, but it does what it does pretty well. As a way to welcome the summer movie season, Bad Boys: Ride or Die succeeds in what it wants to accomplish.
In theaters June 7th, 2024.
For more information, head to the official Sony Pictures Bad Boys: Ride or Die website.
Final Score: 3.5 out of 5.
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Categories: In Theaters, Reviews
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