Featured, Movie Reviews

‘Bad Boys for Life’ Review – Will Smith and Martin Lawrence Shine In This Non-Stop Thrill Ride

Synopsis:

The Bad Boys Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett are back together for one last ride in the highly anticipated Bad Boys for Life.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited when I learned that Bad Boys for Life was being made. However, I’d also be lying if I said I didn’t harbor some reservations as to how it might turn out. To my delight, it exceeded all expectations and is possibly the best of the trio. The duo is back and older than ever. I jest, but age plays a big role throughout the movie as a younger, tech-savvy AMMO tactical squad has formed in the precinct. Not only do we get a thrilling visual experience but we are given twists that solidify this as the superior sequel. In Bad Boys tradition, there are fast cars, beautiful women, lots of guns, and Will Smith running. Along with iconic shots, music curated by Lorne Balfe and DJ Khaled, and callbacks to the previous films, Bad Boys for Life is non-stop excitement. Now, we know that when we go into a movie like this that we have to suspend disbelief just a tad. Although, the flashiness and wonderland that is Miami make it all seem possible. There are some corny dad-jokes but it’s to be expected when one character has been a father for years and the other, a playboy that is clinging to his former youth. Besides a little corniness, overall, the movie is hilarious and action-packed. Additionally, with the introduction of some new characters and the dark history of another, there could be room for another sequel. I want it. This movie provides everything you’d want in an action-comedy, except for maybe The Rock. I myself, as well as the majority of everyone else at the same screening, left the theater feeling exhilarated and smiling.

Plot & Pace

The pacing of this was movie is perfect. It starts fast and with the plot being as interesting as it becomes, you don’t notice the two-hour runtime. Beginning how you’d expect, Mike in the driver seat of an expensive car and Marcus in the passenger seat complaining about the speed they’re going. After 25 years of being on the force, Marcus wants to enjoy civilian life while Mike lives for the thrill of busting criminals. With the partners both trying to convince the other that their way is the best, a dangerous criminal wants Mike dead. Will this situation destroy the marriage-like bond the two have or will it make it stronger? Also, A new group appears on the force that threatens the way Mike does his police work. They are younger, have tons of gadgets, and like to be more tactful than that of Mike, but they have to coexist somehow. Things will never be the same… or will it?

Characters & Chemistry

Will Smith (Mike Lowrey)and Martin Lawrence (Marcus Burnett) have a chemistry that is only rivaled by Kevin Hart and The Rock. It’s effortless as if there’s no script. Joe Pantoliano as Captain Howard is still a pissed Yoda and it’s still funny. The AMMO team of Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Charles Melton, and Paola Nunez were the perfect antithesis of Mike’s way of doing things. The building tension between Smith and Nunez was a subplot in itself. Hudgens is a bad ass, Melton is a smart ass, and Ludwig has a humble giant. Jacob Scipio makes a big splash as a ruthless villain and I can’t wait to see what his future holds. Lastly, Kate Del Castillo was amazing and a little scary. Remind me never to piss her off.