The returns of Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, and Adil & Bilall from Bad Boys for Life lead to another strong addition to the franchise with Bad Boys: Ride or Die.
The comedy hits at a higher clip than the previous film. Adil & Bilall‘s ability to compose imaginative action set pieces without losing site of Mike Lowry, Marcus Burnett and the rest of the team puts Michael Bay‘s efforts to shame. There’s also an interesting commentary on aging as Marcus and Mike combat different demons throughout the film.
Ride or Die begins shortly after the events of Bad Boys for Life. Before his death, Captain Conrad Howard is framed by the cartel as a corrupt lawman. Mike and Marcus work to clear their captain’s name. They turn to Mike’s incarcerated son, Armando Artes (Jacob Scipio), to find out who is behind the setup. Meanwhile, Howard’s daughter, U.S. Marshall Judy Howard (Rhea Seehorn), is hellbent on avenging her father’s murder by taking down Armando.
A few issues prevent Ride or Die from eclipsing Bad Boys for Life and Bad Boys 2. The twists in the corruption storyline are predictable. James McGrath (Eric Dane) is an imposing villain but rather shallow compared to the personal stakes in Bad Boys for Life. While the comedy is much better than in Bad Boy for Life, some comedic bits still go too long.
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These issues aren’t enough to combat Lawrence and Smith’s inimitable chemistry. In case anyone needs reminding, Smith’s acting chops remain fully intact. In particular, the scenes featuring Mike defending Howard’s honor and his panic attacks are a reminder of Smith’s power as an actor. I do wish the film committed to the pan attacks subplot more as a throughline rather than sporadically using it when the story dictated.
With the overview complete, let’s examine the aging story, comedy, and corruption in Bad Boys: Ride or Die. The first Bad Boys film is streaming on Hulu.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die takes on new meaning
Amidst the comedic banter that usually revolves around Marcus annoying Mike are new vulnerabilities. Both are presented with hurdles to overcome, and the film handles these elements better in one regard than the other.
Marcus’s issues are physical. He suffers a heart attack and is on death’s door. He even receives a motivational chat from his dead captain. After recovering, Marcus believes he’s invincible and puts the theory, despite Mike’s objections to the comedic test.
Meanwhile, Mike begins suffering panic attacks. During several sequences, he flashes back to Captain Howard’s murder and freezes up. Introducing some vulnerability to Mike is a cool idea, and Smith plays those moments well. Unfortunately, Ride or Die doesn’t commit to the storyline.
Overall, these vulnerabilities provide new layers to these characters. The comedy aspects of these vulnerabilities lead to a satisfying conclusion.
On the Run
After Mike’s wedding, news about Captain Howard’s role in protecting Miami drug cartels begins to break. Mike and Marcus refuse to believe Howard is dirty. Captain Rita Secada (Paola Núñez) is on their side, allowing them to look deeper.
McGrath executes the smear campaign against Howard. He’s a former Army Ranger who tortured members of the cartel and now works for them. Dane does a good job of portraying McGrath as an intellectual and physical threat, but the character lacks depth.
Once Mike and Marcus realize Armando can identify McGrath, they work with Rita’s husband, Adam Lockwood (Ioan Gruffudd), an attorney with political aspirations, to release Armando into their custody.
After Armando is in Marcus and Mike’s custody, McGrath puts a hit on the trio. Corrupt cops, politicians and street gangs leave Mike and Marcus with few options and force them to go on the run. However, some familiar faces from the last film provide support.
Carryovers from Bad Boys 3
Vanessa Hudgens and Alexander Ludwig reprise their roles as Kelly and Dorn. They’re excellent additions to the franchise and work well opposite Smith and Lawrence. With Rita’s assistance, they help Mike and Marcus after Mike’s wife, Christine, is kidnapped by McGrath.
McGrath tries to kidnap Marcus’s family. However, Reggie finally gets his moment in the spotlight. He single-handedly eliminates McGrath’s men in the film’s best action sequence.
Finally, there’s Bad Boys: Ride or Die‘s secret weapon, Mike’s son Armando. Ride or Die sets up a redemption arc for Armando. His action sequences are brutal, and his rough demeanor pairs nicely with Smith and Lawrence.
Overall, the supporting cast does a good job of overcoming the predictable corruption storyline.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die final thoughts
The Bad Boys franchise is heading in the right direction. Like the third film, Ride or Die works as a finale while leaving room for another chapter.
The chemistry between Smith and Lawrence continues to thrive. Adding Adil & Bilall as directors has paid off. If they can find a villain and some real hurdles for Mike to overcome, then the franchise still has legs.
The Review
Bad Boys: Ride or Die
PROS
- The chemistry between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence remains on point.
- Adil & Bilall are excellent at creating unique action setpieces.
- The comedy is much better than the previous film.
- The AMMO squad continues to be a fun addition to the franchise.
CONS
- Disappointing villain and corruption plot.
- Doesn't do enough with Mike's panic attacks subplot.
