‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ Review – Bigger, Better, Badder

Synopsis: When Captain Howard is unjustly accused of a lifetime of drug-related crimes, the Bad Boys vow to clear his name. But as they get closer to finding out the truth, Mike and Marcus are framed themselves—and now, they’re fugitives with a cartel-funded bounty on their heads. Pursued by the cops, targeted by the cartels, hunted by every gang in the city… whatchagonna do when everybody comes for you?

Sometimes you have to let go and trust that everything will work out as it should. Don’t get it twisted, you still have to do what is necessary by preparing and putting in the work, but then the rest is out of your hands. Whether you believe in luck, coincidence, randomness, or divine intervention, like it or not, your outcomes may always be predetermined. Nevertheless, you can be prepared for whatever good or bad is headed your way. Unfortunately, only you can know how to do that for yourself.

“There’s a storm coming.”

Your year just got a whole lot better. No introduction is needed, but the unmatched dynamic duo of Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett are back for another thrill ride and the stakes are higher than ever. Directed by Adil & Bilall, Bad Boys: Ride or Die is bigger, better, and badder. School is out, the sun is shining, and the block has been busted. It’s officially a Bad Boys summer and missing out is not an option. This fourth installment in the Bad Boys franchise has the recipe for a delicious experience. We have two characters that we’ve invested in for decades, a sprinkle of nostalgia as the storyline ties in with previous films along with some familiar faces, a new yet also old villain, life-altering events, a wedding, a few surprises, and nonstop action. Oh, and of course, the 360 hero shot. What more can you ask for?

Picking up a few years after Bad Boys for Life, things have changed in ways you wouldn’t expect. Mike is doing the last thing you’d expect and is also suffering from the effects of losing his beloved police captain. Marcus has a new outlook on life and the unflinching confidence to go with it. Despite the circumstances, this ride-or-die pair has each other’s back through thick and thin and are also apparently soulmates. The latter will make sense once you witness the hilarity of introspective clairvoyant Marcus. Determined to clear the now sullied name of the deceased Captain Howard, it quickly becomes a family affair as Mike is reunited with his son Armando who almost killed him in their last encounter. The trio of Mike, Marcus, and Armando must work out their difference and work together to stay alive and stop whoever is behind the chaos because not only are they fugitives but there is also a bounty on their heads.

“I’ve spent my whole life being scared, Mike.”

This is a movie that should be experienced in IMAX if possible. Everything about Bad Boys: Ride or Die is bigger than those that came before it. From its multilayered interconnected narrative, action and set pieces, ensemble performances, and overall visual aesthetic, if this were to be the last one in the series, they went out with a bang. Its themes of family and trust are heightened to levels the franchise has never seen. The shootouts and all-around badassery are taken up a notch and some of the kills are genuinely jaw-dropping. This film will have eyes glued to the screen and butt on the edge of the seat. I hope you pee before you see because you’re not going to want to miss a thing. You will laugh until you cry, cheer before it’s over, and find yourself excited to be at the movies again. Along with the great acting, its writing, direction, and fantastic camerawork make this a must-see.

Not for nothing, this film has more depth than meets the eye. The tandem journeys we go on with Mike and Marcus coupled with the rage of another gives the story a full range of human emotion. Eventually leading to sacrifice and a change of heart, it’s rife with growth and tons of heart. At the crux of it all, the franchise has always been about unwavering love and friendship. It’s propped up by one important question, how far would you go for the ones you love? And the answer is always, to hell and back. Bad Boys: Ride or Die is not just a good time but it’s a film we’ll be talking about the rest of the year. Its rewatchability is high. Who’s your ride-or-die?

Pace & Pop

The film’s pacing is perfect. Its high-octane tempo is maintained for most of its almost 2-hour runtime while only slowing down when necessary. It’s no joke when I say, this is a nonstop adrenaline rush. So buckle up or prepare to live on the edge of your seat. What popped for me was the ultra-surprising and incredibly unexpected action we get from Reggie. It’s hands-down one of the payoffs of the franchise.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Jacob Scipio, Paola Nuñez, Eric Dane, Ioan Gruffudd, Melanie Liburd, Tasha Smith, with Tiffany Haddish and Joe Pantoliano

I think it goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are unstoppable together. Whether it’s action, comedy, or touching moments their chemistry is off the charts. This outing solidifies the Bad Boys franchise as one of the best action franchises to ever exist. Not to mention, Smith and Lawrence as Mike and Marcus, respectively, are an unrivaled duo. The addition of Jacob Scipio’s Armando adds an electric flare to the pair. With Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, and Paola Nuñez from the AMMO team returning spectacularly, you can’t help but wonder if we will see more of them in the future. Moreover, while they play well off the franchise players, they have their own intriguing and comedic draw. Eric Dane as our villain excels in the role. He’s cold and cerebral and has been around longer than we knew. This is a phenomenal ensemble performance.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die releases in theaters on June 7, 2024. Stay safe and Bad Boys for life.

Rated: R Runtime: 1h 55m Directors: Adil & Bilall Writers: Chris Bremner and Will Beall Producers: Jerry Bruckheimer, Will Smith, Chad Oman, Doug Belgrad Executive Producers: Barry Waldman, Mike Stenson, James Lassiter, Jon Mone, Chris Bremner, Martin Lawrence Director of Photography: Robrecht Heyvaert Production Designer: Jon Billington Editors: Dan Lebental, ace, Asaf Eisenberg Costume Designer: Janie Bryant Music: Lorne Balfe