The Bad Boys films follow Miami supercop Detective Mike Lowery (Will Smith) and his partner Detective Lt. Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) working for the Miami Police Department. The Bad Boys are back with their iconic mix of edge-ofyour-seat action and outrageous comedy, but this time with a twist: Miami’s finest detectives are now its most wanted.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die, the fourth instalment in the franchise, delivers the high-octane action and humour fans have come to love since the series began in 1995, when Smith and Lawrence were practically just kids, and continues to capture their dynamic. The humour mostly stems from Marcus’s dietary struggles, and the chemistry between them keeps the story engaging.
The movie opens with Mike Lowery’s wedding, where Marcus gives an emotional speech about Mike settling down after years of his bachelor lifestyle. However, Marcus suddenly collapses from a heart attack and finds himself in a surreal heavenly setting – a deserted moonlit beach where he meets their old Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano). This silly start sets the stage for a personal case, as their beloved departed captain is framed for corruption.
The main plot involves a conspiracy to tarnish Captain Howard’s name. Mike and Marcus, along with Kelly (Vanessa Hudgens) and Dorn (Alexander Ludwig), work to clear Howard’s name. The story introduces a dirty cop, McGrath (Eric Dane), who attempts to ruin Howard’s legacy. Howard’s daughter Judy (Rhea Seehorn), a US Marshal, blames Mike’s estranged son, Armando (Jason Scipio), for her father’s death, adding another layer to the drama. The steamy prison scenes of Armando, set in a warehouse with metal cages and overhead spotlights, intensify the narrative.
In the climactic moments, Mike and Marcus find themselves facing off against several adversaries in the abandoned Gatorland theme park. Amid the chaos, they encounter ‘Duke,’ a large albino alligator, which attacks Marcus and eventually consumes one of the bad guys. This dramatic showdown highlights the film’s blend of action and humour, making for an unforgettable finale.
The film sets the stage for future storylines involving Marcus’s son-in-law, U.S. Marine Reggie McDonald (Dennis Greene), and Mike’s son Armando, hinting at potential conflicts and alliances in upcoming sequels.
Returning directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah have perfectly continued the legacy passed to them by Michael Bay. Their direction ensures unrestrained violence and comedic spectacle that fans eagerly anticipate. Smith and Lawrence’s enthusiasm for the franchise is infectious, and as long as they want to make Bad Boys movies, fans will be there to support them. The mix of bad jokes, camaraderie, shootouts, and car chases is exactly what fans love. It’s not subtle, but subtlety isn’t what Bad Boys: Ride or Die aims for – it’s about explosive fun and over-thetop action, making it the ultimate buddy cop adventure.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die delivers a thrilling ride full of heart, humour, and plenty of explosions. The formula works, and Smith and Lawrence’s passion for these characters ensures that audiences will keep coming back for more. Though Smith and Lawrence have been doing these movies for more than two decades now, their back-and-forth never feels tired. While other characters can be onenote and stiff, they inject enough humour and heart to smooth over the film’s rough spots.
In the end, Bad Boys: Ride or Die doesn’t redefine the franchise, but it doesn’t need to. It stays true to its roots, delivering the kind of explosive, buddy-cop fun that made the series a hit. For fans, it’s another wild, enjoyable ride with the same beloved characters.
