Review by Jon Donnis
"Bad Boys: Ride or Die," the fourth installment in the Bad Boys series, directed by Adil & Bilall, is a rollicking addition to the beloved buddy cop franchise. Starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, the film continues the saga of Miami detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, who this time are on a mission to clear the name of their late Captain Conrad Howard, posthumously accused of conspiracy.
Set four years after the events of "Bad Boys for Life," the story kicks off with Mike Lowrey marrying his physical therapist, Christine, only for the celebrations to be abruptly interrupted by Marcus suffering a mild heart attack. During his coma-induced vision of Captain Howard, Marcus is told it is not his time, a message that he interprets as a sign of invincibility upon waking. Their newfound mission begins with a shocking news report linking Captain Howard to cartel corruption, prompting the duo to embark on a journey to vindicate their mentor's reputation.
The plot thickens as they enlist the help of Captain Rita Secada and her new boyfriend, mayoral candidate Adam Lockwood, leading them to Mike's son, Armando Aretas. Armando, now imprisoned for Howard's murder, provides crucial information, revealing that Howard was close to exposing corruption, which led to his assassination. This revelation sets Mike and Marcus on a dangerous path, fraught with assassins, coded messages, and a high-stakes battle against deeply embedded corruption within federal and state law enforcement.
The chemistry between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence remains the film's cornerstone, their dynamic as entertaining as ever. Their comedic timing and on-screen camaraderie inject life into the movie, making it more than just another action flick. The film boasts a mix of humour, suspense, and explosive action sequences that are both visually impressive and thrilling to watch. One particularly innovative scene features a POV shot from the perspective of a gun holder, seamlessly transitioning between characters and adding a unique visual flair to the film.
Despite the film's many strengths, there are moments where it falls short. The attempt to portray Smith and Lawrence as eternally youthful rebels feels somewhat forced, with their dyed hair and beards attempting to mask the reality of their advancing ages. This, at times, detracts from the authenticity of their characters, making some scenes feel like a nostalgic compilation rather than fresh, original content. Additionally, the charm that defined the original films has somewhat diminished, replaced by a more formulaic approach to action and comedy.
Nevertheless, "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" delivers what fans of the series have come to expect: a high-octane, entertaining ride that prioritises audience enjoyment over any deeper political commentary. It's a throwback to a time when blockbuster films were designed to entertain, and in that regard, it succeeds admirably.
In conclusion, "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" is a solid addition to the franchise, buoyed by the enduring appeal of its lead actors. While it may lack some of the original charm and innovation, it compensates with its engaging action and the undeniable chemistry of Smith and Lawrence. For fans of the series, it's a gratifying return to form. I give "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" a commendable 8 out of 10.
Out Now in Cinemas and also on digital.
Amazon - https://amzn.to/3Sks4iL
Apple TV - https://apple.co/4cTfijs
