‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ Review: Will Smith and Martin Lawrence Are Entertaining in Classic Bad Boys Style

There was a ripple of concern in Hollywood as it became evident that no blockbuster had been able to lure audiences to the cinemas since Dune: Part II. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga fell short of expectations at the box office, and even the latest Ryan Gosling film, The Fall Guy, struggled to draw crowds.

Now, it’s up to Will Smith and Martin Lawrence to reverse this trend with the new Bad Boys installment, Ride or Die, helmed by Belgian directors Bilall Fallah and Adil El Arbi.

The latest Bad Boys installment brings little innovation, sticking to its tried-and-tested formula with a mix of familiar humor and adrenaline-fueled action. Yet, far from being a drawback, this is precisely what fans anticipate from a Bad Boys film! From Lawrence’s bare buttocks to burning cars and crashing planes, Bad Boys: Ride or Die has everything for an enjoyable cinematic experience that – especially for fans of the franchise – could turn the tide for a successful summer movie season.

The film begins amidst the sun-drenched streets of Miami, where Mike Lowrey’s (Smith) wedding takes an unexpected turn of tragedy and hilarity when his Bad Boys counterpart, Marcus Burnett (Lawrence), narrowly escapes a heart attack. This brush with death leaves him feeling invincible, paving the way for the trademark underwear humor that defines the franchise.

From that moment, the film takes off: their former police chief (Joe Pantoliano), now deceased, is unjustly accused of corruption, igniting a whirlwind of events where not only the police target the duo, but also the FBI and a criminal syndicate.

It’s a nostalgic journey, expertly pieced together by Belgian directors Bilall Fallah and Adil El Arbi.

A lot of the action might seem implausible, exaggerated, and over-the-top, but then again, that’s precisely the anticipation when you’re watching a Bad Boys movie. Despite showing signs of aging, they still sprint and soar with gusto. However, it’s the humor that truly shines in the film; it’s a nostalgic journey, expertly pieced together by Belgian directors Bilall Fallah and Adil El Arbi.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die reaffirms why its creators are sought after in Hollywood. A recent viral behind-the-scenes video showcased the impressive filming of the movie’s spectacular scenes, leaving many film enthusiasts questioning why the creators’ Batgirl film has mysteriously disappeared into the vault.

If you’re after a gripping, thought-provoking narrative, you might want to pass on Bad Boys: Ride or Die. But if you’re craving a classic, enjoyable cinema experience with plenty of humor, action-packed scenes expertly filmed, and a dose of nostalgia, alongside clever nods to the franchise’s past, then the new Bad Boys film is the perfect choice for you.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die is now playing in cinemas worldwide.

This article has been written in partnership with The Nerd Shepherd.

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