In this fourth go-round of the “Bad Boys” franchise, Miami’s finest are back to attack with “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” Our JP has his take on the film starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die
Columbia Pictures
- Directed by Adil & Bilall
- Written by Chris Bremner, Will Beall
- Based on Characters by George Gallo
- Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Will Smith, Chad Oman, Doug Belgrad
- Starring Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Núñez, Eric Dane
Studio Synopsis:
This summer, the world’s favorite Bad Boys are back with their iconic mix of edge-of-your seat action and outrageous comedy but this time with a twist: Miami’s finest are now on the run. 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… whatcha gonna do when everybody comes for you?
J.P.’s Take:
Although “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” lives up to its subtitle, this iteration is not as frenetic as “Bad Boys II.” Yet, directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah and writers Chris Bremner and Will Beall give it a raucous, untamed, and sentimental sheen. You may even say they’ve given it the GTA (Grand Theft Auto) treatment in terms of shot compositions.
Picking up from the third film, “Bad Boys for Life,” “Ride or Die” finds Mike Lowery (Will Smith) finally settling down into a life of matrimony, while his past has come back to haunt him. Due to his philandering ways, Mike’s illegitimate son, Armando Aretas (Jacob Scipio) from his relationship with a drug cartel queen, becomes the target of a group of assassins. In a subplot, the dynamic duo Lowery (Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) are hot on the case to clear their beloved Captain Conrad Howard’s (Joe Pantoliano) name. Although not an especially complicated plot, however, with the new players involved, it keeps viewers on their toes about the conspiracy ahead.
As far as buddy cop films are concerned, “Bad Boys” retains its chaotic charm with camera shots from a drone’s point of view, as it drops bombs on baddies; it becomes new action fodder. We’re treated to a first-person sequence, during a shootout at a swamp land abandoned amusement park. It’s complete with a giant albino alligator as well. Car chases are the norm for this franchise, although that is kept to a minimum, making room for more gang battles and scores of officers and criminals on foot.
The chemistry between Smith and Lawrence remains canon, as Lawrence’s character is deepened by his near-death experience, while Smith’s character experiences panic attacks. This shows they are human and are just as vulnerable, despite their exemplary abilities. “Bad Boys 4” also connects the dots between parts 2 and 3 with a retconned back story having to do with their beloved captain and a drug bust gone wrong.
The comedy is nonstop as Mike’s and Marcus’ bantering is front and center … and yes there is a “slap” reference in a nicely timed moment, while the dynamic duo are in the midst of a shootout. Additionally, there is a nice surprise midway into the movie, where Reggie (Dennis Green) finally gets to flex his muscles against some baddies invading the Burnett’s home. Now that he’s a U.S. Marine. It’s one of the most satisfying moments of this movie entirely.
There are countless known artists throughout the cast:
- singer / actress Vanessa Hudgens as Kelly, a weapons expert of AMMO
- Alexander Ludwig as Dorn, a tech expert of AMMO
- Ioan Gruffudd as Adam Lockwood, a district attorney, potential candidate for mayor of Miami, and Rita’s new boyfriend
- Paola Núñez as Rita Secada, Miami PD’s captain and Mike’s ex-girlfriend
- Tiffany Haddish Tabitha
- Melanie Liburd as Christine Lowrey, Mike’s new wife
- John Sally as Fletcher
- DJ Khaled as Manny the Butcher
- Rhea Seehorn as Judy Howard, a U.S. Marshal,
- Tasha Smith as Theresa Burnett, Marcus’s wife
- Jenna Kanell as Nicole
- Eric Dane as James McGrath, a former U.S. Army Ranger-turned-DEA Special Agent
Also appearing in the film are rapper Joyner Lucas as a gang leader and social media influencer Khabane “Khaby” Lame, as well as the former director of the first two “Bad Boys” films, Michael Bay, makes a brief cameo. I have a feeling Bay’s appearance was an inside joke.
In the end, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” left me with a satisfying feeling that this franchise has been wrapped up in a tidy neat bow. No need for a sequel; this one stands on its own.
Official Site: Bad Boys
