Bad Boys: Ride or Die is the best in the franchise, as it delivers exactly what one would expect from a Bad Boys film. It’s corny and ridiculous, but lots of fun.
Fans of the Bad Boys franchise are sure to love Bad Boys: Ride or Die. It delivers what one has come to expect from these films, corny dialogue, ridiculous action, and silly humor. This fourth installment is far better than the previous one, and is easily the best of the franchise (yes, better than 2, or at the very least is on par with it).
Martin Lawrence and Will Smith are back as Marcus and Mike, and it is truly a joy to see them on screen together again. It is clear they are absolutely having a blast, which translates to the viewers watching. You can’t help but have a good time, no matter how off the walls the story goes.
After their beloved late captain is said to have been working with the drug cartel, Mike Lowrey (Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Lawrence) must work to clear his name. They end up fugitives on the run, who are willing to do anything to prove their mentor was one of the good ones.
There is a mystery to be solved here as early on it is clear that someone close to them cannot be trusted — but who? The suspense is thrown on many, with the real rat being a shock to some in the end.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die features some intense action sequences, but they often end up getting quite ridiculous (think Fast and Furious franchise). The cinematography might cause some to get motion-sick, and others to have the time of their lives. Michael Bay and Jerry Bruckheimer very clearly influenced these shots, and fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
The movie clocks in just under two hours, but it unfortunately feels longer than that. It could have been trimmed down by about ten or fifteen minutes and it would have flowed better. The story is sometimes jumbled, and the pacing goes through waves, but at least you will have a good time. This is the definition of a summer action blockbuster.
Can Bad Boys: Ride or Die Be A Standalone?
If you have not seen any of the Bad Boys films before, you do not need to. Bad Boys: Ride or Die does a great job of explaining who the characters are, and the past that you need to know in order for this story to make sense. Of course, there are cameos and fun moments that fans of the franchise will appreciate more, but newcomers will not feel left completely out of the loop.
Overall Thoughts
Bad Boys: Ride or Die exceeds expectations and is quite possibly the best of the franchise. It is corny and ridiculous, but also a whole lot of fun. While it’s a tad too long, it does a good job of keeping you entertained throughout.
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are clearly having the time of their lives back on screen together, which translates through the film to the audience. Get ready to go on a wild ride with the bad boys!
About Bad Boys: Ride or Die
Directed by Adil & Bilall, Bad Boys: Ride or Die stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. The duo embarks on a mission to clear their late police captain’s name, who is linked in drug cartel activities.
However, a set up turns them into fugitives, compelling them to operate outside the law to crack the case.