Certainly, there are a few people who might ask, “Why do we even need another ‘Bad Boys’ movie?” Posing the question is the equivalent of pulling up to a McDonald’s drive through and asking, “Why is the Big Mac still on the menu?” The answer to both questions is essentially the same – one knows what to expect, they’re satisfying and people buy it.
And like the global comfort food staple that has been going strong since 1968, the latest installment of the franchise proves that it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Directors Adil and Bilall gave fans of the “Bad Boys” films exactly what they would hope for with “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” Thanks to nonstop action, energy, pace, impeccably timed comic relief and commitment from its costars, the generation franchise felt fresh and relevant.
Next year will mark 30 years since Martin Lawrence and Will Smith introduced their “Bad Boys.” They return to the big screen on Friday, when “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” arrives in theaters. With blazing guns and wisecracks faster than their bullets, fictional Miami detectives Marcus Barnett and Mike Lowrey have become nearly as famous as the men who portray them.
In 1995, there was something to prove. Lawence and Smith had a grand total of 10 film credits between them. Lawrence was in the better position to emerge as a movie star thanks to scene stealing performances in Black film classics such as Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing” and East St. Louis’ own Reginald Hudlin’s “House Party” and “Boomerang.” He also had a hit eponymous sitcom and was on the heels of hosting HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam.” And while Lawrence has enjoyed a steady, reputable career as a film star and comedian, “Bad Boys” was truly a breakout role for Smith.
Before “Bad Boys,” Smith was a rapper-turned-actor formerly known as “The Fresh Prince” on the tail end of a hit television show “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” He had been in a few films, but nothing to compel studios to consider him a sure thing at the box office. The film went on to rake in more than $141 million, and Smith became one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars – until the Oscars controversy of 2022. In fact, he currently holds the record for the most consecutive $100-million-plus hits at the US box office, with eight.
Their respective career paths sent them in different directions – with Lawrence having more success in the urban market as Smith ascended to the top of the mainstream movie industry. However – as the titles of the franchise’s most recent titles suggest (“Bad Boys For Life” and “Bad Boys: Ride or Die”) – Lawrence, Smith and all parties involved have made a pact to ensure that the brand continues to thrive.
Detectives Lowrey and Burnett are men of a certain age. “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” leans into that fact. Perpetual playboy Lowrey is ready to settle down. Burnett faces the health challenges of a man in his fifties. Instead of mellowing out, they must kick into high gear to protect the legacy of their beloved Captain Howard. In the process of doing so, they are forced to put their own reputations on the line. The decision puts everyone they love – including each other – in harm’s way.
The format for “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” is exactly the same as it was from the beginning. There is a shockingly violent intro that rolls into conflict with the powers that be at the department about their approach to handling a case, quick witted chemistry between Burnett and Lowrey, thinly veiled suspense, raw emotion, a violent climax and happily ever after – for now.
And yet Adil and Bilall, writers Chris Bremmer and Will Beall and the entire cast have audiences glad they came along for the ride. Lawrence and Smith are in their element as usual – and are best in show among the cast that includes Eric Dane, Vanessa Hudgens and Tasha Smith.
However, bit parts from Tiffany Haddish and Joey Pantoliano are among the highlights as far as supporting comic relief. Not since her breakout role as Dina in the hit comedy “Girls Trip,” has Haddish lit up the screen and stole a scene like she did with her brief but unforgettable performance as Tabitha. Other hilarious cameos from DJ Khalid, Lionel Messi and Italian social media sensation Khaby Lame send the humor into overdrive. However it is the impeccably timed exchanges between Lawrence and Smith that do the heavy lifting with respect to the film’s humor element.
“Bad Boys: Ride or Die” opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, June 7. The film is rated R with a running time of 115 minutes.
