Bad Boys: Ride or Die

The latest installment of 'Bad Boys' finds Mike and Marcus back in the thick of it. While it certainly has moments that deliver the fun, it also stumbles on some familiar pitfalls.

A Familiar Tale of Friendship

In 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die,' Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) find themselves framed for a crime they didn’t commit. With their former Captain’s reputation on the line, the duo is on the run to uncover the truth and clear his name. Their journey takes them through Miami's underbelly, where they must navigate tricky alliances and engage in over-the-top action sequences. Alongside them is Kelly (Vanessa Hudgens), who adds a fresh dynamic but feels like an afterthought at times. The narrative bounces between comedy and action, but it often feels like it’s treading familiar ground rather than breaking new ground.

Dynamic Duo with Weak Support

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence slip right back into their roles, showcasing a chemistry that has aged like fine wine. Smith is charismatic as ever, while Lawrence’s comedic timing is a highlight, bringing much-needed levity to tense moments. However, Vanessa Hudgens' character, Kelly, feels underwritten and lacks depth compared to the main duo. The supporting cast, including Eric Dane and Ioan Gruffudd, provide decent performances, but many characters are more caricatures than fully fleshed individuals. This lack of character development results in missed opportunities for richer interactions.

Action with Flash, But No Substance

Adil El Arbi’s direction strikes a balance between the spirited action of the earlier films and contemporary filmmaking techniques. The pacing is generally swift, especially during action sequences, but at times it feels uneven, with slower moments dragging on longer than necessary. Visually, the film embraces the vibrant colors of Miami, but the cinematography often relies on the typical tropes of the genre, lacking a distinct visual flair. Action scenes can be exhilarating, but they sometimes come off as chaotic, making it difficult to follow. Shorter, sharper edits could have helped enhance the excitement.

Familiar, Yet Frustrating

Watching 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' is akin to reuniting with old friends; there’s a familiarity that’s comforting, but also moments of frustration. While the comedic beats hit well, the film’s attempts at emotional depth often fall flat. Certain sequences feel padded, leading to moments of boredom, especially during backstory revelations that could have been trimmed for better pacing. The humor does shine through, but there’s a sense of recycling old jokes instead of innovating with new material. Some emotional beats attempt to land but end up feeling contrived.