When their late police captain gets linked to drug cartels, wisecracking Miami cops Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett embark on a dangerous mission to clear his name.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die marks the return of Miami's iconic detective duo, Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, portrayed by Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, with a script by Chris Bremner, Will Beall, and George Gallo, the film brings a familiar yet fresh energy to the franchise. Joining the cast is Vanessa Hudgens, who adds a new dynamic to the team. This instalment sees the protagonists become fugitives, aiming to clear their names while safeguarding their loved ones.
The movie is competently shot, showcasing high production values and a visually engaging style. Cinematographer Robrecht Heyvaert plays a crucial role in bringing this vision to life. The film features innovative camera techniques, such as mounting cameras on guns to create a first-person perspective reminiscent of video games. This, combined with the use of slow-motion shots and explosive action sequences, ensures that the film is visually stimulating. The action scenes are well choreographed, delivering the kind of high-octane excitement that fans of the series have come to expect.
At the heart of Bad Boys: Ride or Die is the enduring chemistry between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Their on-screen rapport is as strong as ever, providing a foundation of humour and camaraderie that drives the film. Their banter, while sometimes drawing on familiar jokes from previous instalments, retains a natural and easy charm. The duo's comedic timing and ability to play off each other make for entertaining viewing. The film's humour often centres around Marcus's character, particularly his near-death experience and fondness for candy, which adds a light-hearted and relatable aspect to the story.
The narrative of Bad Boys: Ride or Die adheres to a familiar formula, blending action and comedy in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The plot involves the characters becoming fugitives, a trope that has been seen before but is executed here with a degree of freshness. The film includes numerous action-packed sequences, and while these are competently crafted, they may feel somewhat repetitive to those familiar with the genre. The storyline often plays like a "best of" compilation, revisiting classic elements from the series without offering significant new twists or innovations.
One notable aspect of this film is the shift in focus towards Martin Lawrence's character, Marcus Burnett. Traditionally, Will Smith's Mike Lowrey has been the more prominent figure, but this time, the narrative gives more weight to Marcus's personal journey. This shift provides an interesting change in dynamic, exploring Marcus's struggles with ageing and health issues, including a heart attack. It adds a layer of depth to his character, highlighting the realities of a cop facing the challenges of growing older.
Meanwhile, Mike's character deals with personal issues, though these are not deeply explored. The film touches on Mike's struggle with PTSD and his reconciliation with the fact that his son is a killer. However, these elements are not delved into with much depth, making them feel somewhat superficial.
The movie also introduces Rhea Seehorn as Judy, the daughter of the late Captain Howard, who plays a US Marshal leading a manhunt against Mike and Marcus. Judy's vendetta against the antagonist, Armando, who killed her father in the previous film, adds an interesting subplot. However, this storyline is not fully developed and gets overshadowed by the main action. The potential for deeper emotional conflict is present but ultimately underutilized, as the narrative prioritizes action and humour over exploring these themes in depth.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die also includes a clever nod to real-life events, with a tongue-in-cheek reference to Will Smith's infamous Oscar slap. This moment adds a layer of self-awareness to the film, blending reality and fiction in a way that is both playful and timely.
While the chemistry between Smith and Lawrence remains a highlight, there are moments when the humour feels forced, relying on recycled jokes and familiar dynamics. The film sometimes feels like a blend of action, soap opera, and sitcom, with Mike and Marcus's relationship resembling that of an old married couple. This aspect of the narrative provides both comedic and emotional beats, but it also suggests that the series may be starting to show its age.
Despite these criticisms, Bad Boys: Ride or Die is a reasonably entertaining film. It may not break new ground or offer significant innovations, but it delivers a solid entry into the franchise. The movie's strengths lie in its production quality, well-executed action scenes, and the enduring appeal of its leads. For fans of the series, the film provides a satisfying mix of nostalgia and new elements, ensuring a fun and engaging experience.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die offers a competent and enjoyable addition to the Bad Boys series. While it doesn't push the boundaries of the action-comedy genre or introduce groundbreaking new ideas, it successfully entertains with its high-energy action and the charismatic performances of Smith and Lawrence. The film's visuals are polished, the humour is engaging, and the chemistry between the leads continues to shine. For those looking for a fun, familiar ride, this film delivers exactly what it promises.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die was released in NZ cinemas on June 6, 2024