After a 17-year hiatus, Bad Boys: Ride or Die finally hit the big screens in June 2024, marking the return of the iconic duo Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) in the fourth installment of the action-packed Bad Boys franchise. So, do the “bad boys” still have it in them, or is this comeback a major flop? Let’s dive into the action and find out in this review!
1. Plot: A thrilling ride of “play or get played”
Bad Boys: Ride or Die opens with Mike Lowrey enjoying a peaceful retirement. However, his tranquility is shattered when Marcus Burnett, his former partner, is suddenly framed for corruption and murder. Believing in Marcus’ innocence, Mike decides to reunite and work together to find the real culprit.
Their “play or get played” journey takes the two bad boys into the world of international drug trafficking, where they face off against notorious criminals and betrayers within their own police organization. With the help of Rita (Paola Nunez), a talented detective, Mike and Marcus must use every trick in the book to uncover the truth and clear Marcus’ name.
While the Bad Boys: Ride or Die script doesn’t break any new ground, it still delivers the high-octane action, heart-pounding chases, and signature humor that the Bad Boys brand is known for. This installment also delves deeper into the relationship between Mike and Marcus, showcasing their growth and bond after years of working together.
2. Acting: Will Smith and Martin Lawrence still got it
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are the heart and soul of Bad Boys: Ride or Die. The two Hollywood veterans seamlessly slip back into their roles as Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, delivering performances that will surely please fans. Will Smith retains Mike’s signature charm and wit, while Martin Lawrence brings a more mature and serious side to Marcus.
3. Music: Pumping and exhilarating
Bad Boys: Ride or Die boasts a pumping and exhilarating soundtrack that amplifies the action and creates some truly memorable moments. The theme song “Bad Boys for Life” by 2 Chainz and P. Diddy makes a return, bringing a wave of nostalgia for longtime Bad Boys fans.
4. Overall Assessment
Bad Boys: Ride or Die is a visually stunning action flick that delivers the high-octane action, heart-pounding chases, and signature humor that the Bad Boys franchise is known for. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence remain at the top of their game, carrying the film with their captivating performances.
However, Bad Boys: Ride or Die does suffer from a somewhat predictable script and a lack of depth in character development. Despite these shortcomings, it’s still a solid action-comedy that Bad Boys fans and action enthusiasts will enjoy.
5. Personal Opinion
As a longtime fan of the Bad Boys franchise, I was ecstatic to finally see Bad Boys: Ride or Die after a 17-year wait. While the film isn’t perfect, it still provided me with hours of entertainment thanks to its thrilling action sequences, nail-biting chases, and hilarious moments. I was particularly impressed with the performances of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, who effortlessly embody their iconic characters.
Overall, Bad Boys: Ride or Die is a nostalgic blast from the past that delivers the action-packed fun fans have come to expect from the franchise. It’s a must-watch for Bad Boys devotees and action-comedy aficionados alike.
You can watch the trailer here:
