In a cinematic landscape overflowing with superhero blockbusters and reboots, Bad Boys: Ride or Die delivers something fans of the franchise have craved for years—a return to the high-octane action, over-the-top humor, and palpable chemistry between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. But can the fourth installment in this legendary franchise hold up to the explosive expectations set by its predecessors?
On paper, Bad Boys: Ride or Die sounds like just another action film. In practice, it’s a testosterone-fueled thrill ride that takes the genre’s classic buddy-cop formula and dials it up to eleven. Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, this latest entry is a crowd-pleaser that knows its audience well. It gives you the explosions, chases, and quips, but also throws in some unexpected layers of emotion that make it more than just a mindless action flick.
Let’s break down what makes Bad Boys: Ride or Die an absolute must-watch for fans of action films and lovers of classic duos in modern cinema.
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence: The Chemistry That Never Dies
If there’s one thing that has always set the Bad Boys franchise apart from the rest, it’s the undeniable chemistry between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. From their first appearance together in 1995, audiences were hooked on the electrifying banter and comedic timing these two brought to the screen. Almost three decades later, Ride or Die showcases that the magic is still very much alive.
Smith’s Mike Lowrey continues to be the slick, smooth-talking, and fearless adrenaline junkie we’ve always known, while Lawrence’s Marcus Burnett is still the family man constantly thrown into situations way over his head. But Ride or Die brings an unexpected layer of depth to their relationship. This time around, it’s not just about flashy cars and gunfights; it’s about legacy, family, and the question of how long these two can keep this up.
For Smith, who’s recently weathered personal controversies, Ride or Die serves as a comeback of sorts. His charm and charisma as Mike are undeniable, reminding us why he became a megastar in the first place. On the flip side, Lawrence taps into a more mature, reflective version of Marcus, injecting the film with a surprising emotional core. Together, they strike the perfect balance between heart and humor, making their dynamic not just entertaining but also compelling.
The Plot: More Than Just a High-Speed Chase
At first glance, Bad Boys: Ride or Die seems to follow the familiar formula of its predecessors—high-stakes action, deadly enemies, and wisecracking banter between our two heroes. However, this time around, the stakes feel more personal. Rather than focusing solely on external threats, the film delves into the consequences of the characters’ choices and how they cope with the inevitable passage of time.
The plot kicks off with Mike Lowrey (Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Lawrence) facing their toughest enemy yet: the reality of aging in a job where bullets and explosions don’t care how old you are. Marcus is ready to retire (again), finally wanting to settle into his role as a grandfather, while Mike refuses to slow down. But just when they think they’re out, a new villain emerges from Mike’s past, threatening not just the safety of Miami but the very fabric of the duo’s long-standing partnership.
Enter Armando Armas, a ruthless cartel boss with a vendetta against Mike. Played with intimidating charisma by the talented newcomer, this antagonist is more than just another bad guy—they bring a deeper connection to Mike’s history, adding emotional stakes that haven’t been as strong in previous installments. This personal vendetta against Mike pushes the narrative in ways that force both characters to confront their vulnerabilities. It’s an intriguing angle that adds unexpected weight to the film, contrasting with its otherwise bombastic action sequences.
The film also introduces a new generation of law enforcement, with younger characters stepping in to assist Mike and Marcus. While this could have easily become a distraction, the integration of fresh faces adds new energy to the film without overshadowing its iconic leads. The balance between old-school and new-school is managed surprisingly well, with the newer cast bringing a modern edge to the familiar formula.
Action Sequences That Pack a Punch
No Bad Boys movie would be complete without jaw-dropping, larger-than-life action sequences, and Ride or Die does not disappoint in this regard. From its pulse-pounding opening chase to its explosive final showdown, the film is a relentless barrage of adrenaline-fueled set pieces that keep you on the edge of your seat.
The chase scenes are gloriously over-the-top, combining Miami’s scenic vistas with high-speed pursuits and stunt choreography that feels both frenetic and meticulously executed. Whether it’s a gunfight in a crowded market or a car chase down the neon-lit streets of the city, the action is shot with precision, giving each scene a visceral, impactful feel.
What really stands out in Ride or Die, however, is the hand-to-hand combat. The filmmakers have clearly taken notes from modern action heavyweights like the John Wick franchise, incorporating brutal, close-quarters fight scenes that showcase the aging but still agile skills of Mike Lowrey. Smith’s physicality in these scenes is commendable, while Lawrence’s more grounded, comedic approach to fighting provides the perfect contrast.
Of course, this wouldn’t be a Bad Boys movie without a healthy dose of destruction, and Ride or Die gleefully embraces its penchant for blowing things up. From helicopters to luxury yachts, nothing is safe from the barrage of explosions that define the franchise. But the destruction never feels gratuitous. Instead, it complements the high-octane storytelling and keeps the audience invested from one explosive set piece to the next.
A Touch of Nostalgia: Nods to the Past
While Bad Boys: Ride or Die embraces the high-tech, modern filmmaking techniques of today, it also knows how to play to the nostalgia of long-time fans. The film is packed with references to the original two movies, from Mike’s flashy car to the iconic “We ride together, we die together” motto. These moments serve as delightful Easter eggs for diehard fans while still being accessible to newcomers.
One of the film’s best callbacks comes in the form of its humor. Lawrence, in particular, delivers some of the funniest lines in the film, riffing on everything from his age to the absurdity of their situation. His comedic timing hasn’t missed a beat, and his performance strikes the perfect balance between laugh-out-loud funny and genuinely heartfelt.
Smith’s charm is as potent as ever, but it’s the combination of nostalgia and new emotional stakes that really hit home. Fans of the franchise will feel a warm sense of familiarity, but they’ll also appreciate how Ride or Die deepens the relationship between Mike and Marcus.
A Soundtrack That Slaps
It wouldn’t be a Bad Boys movie without an equally thrilling soundtrack. From hip-hop bangers to pulse-pounding electronic beats, the music in Ride or Die perfectly complements its high-energy action. The score helps elevate key moments, particularly during the intense chase sequences and quieter emotional beats, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
The film also pays homage to its Miami setting through a selection of Latin-inspired tracks, giving the film a distinct flair that sets it apart from other action franchises. It’s clear that as much thought went into the music as it did the action, and it helps immerse the audience in the world of Bad Boys once again.
The Verdict: A Fitting Continuation or One Too Many?
So, does Bad Boys: Ride or Die live up to the hype? In short, yes. While it may not break new ground in the action genre, it delivers exactly what fans have come to expect—adrenaline-pumping action, larger-than-life characters, and plenty of humor. But what sets it apart from its predecessors is the unexpected depth it brings to the relationship between Mike and Marcus. It’s not just a mindless popcorn flick; it’s a film about friendship, legacy, and coming to terms with the inevitability of aging.
That said, the film isn’t without its flaws. Some of the plot points feel predictable, and there are moments where the action threatens to overshadow the more emotional beats. However, these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise an exhilarating, satisfying ride.
If you’ve been a fan of the Bad Boys franchise since the ’90s, Ride or Die will scratch that nostalgic itch while giving you enough fresh material to make it feel like a worthy addition to the series. For newcomers, it’s an adrenaline-fueled entry point into one of the most iconic buddy-cop franchises of all time.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die proves that Mike and Marcus still have plenty of gas left in the tank—and as long as they keep riding together, we’ll keep watching.
Final Thoughts:
Bad Boys: Ride or Die is a wild, fun, and sometimes surprisingly emotional ride that stays true to the franchise’s core while pushing its characters into new territory. If you’re looking for a blockbuster that delivers action, humor, and heart in equal measure, this one’s for you.
