‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ Review: Four Ages of Bad Boys

If we think about the evolution of the ‘Bad Boys’ films, it’s almost like looking at the stages of life. The journey began with the original ‘Bad Boys’ in 1995, a youthful burst of energy with its zappy, flashy and mouthy antics. Then came the phase where our heroes start admitting they’re getting too old for the chaos, only to eventually reach a point where they’re too old to even say they’re too old for it.

Enter ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die,’ the fourth instalment in the franchise. Here, both the actors and the audience are so entrenched in the nostalgia that the only way forward is to embrace it fully, with a hearty dose of shameless over-the-top action. It’s a known fact that all blockbuster action series must come to an end, but ‘Ride or Die’ shows Will Smith and Martin Lawrence reviving our love for high-octane thrillers with a mix of humour and excitement that dances between manic and marvellous.

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This film arrives at a curious time, coinciding with Hollywood’s recent flops, ‘The Fall Guy’ and ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.’ Could ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ redeem the box office? If it does, it will highlight how our affection for such films has driven the industry for decades. We love our cinematic junk food amped up and familiar. In this context, what’s more comforting than watching Smith and Lawrence bicker with the kind of well-honed exasperation that comes from nearly three decades of partnership?

The plot is a familiar ride through a conspiracy involving corrupt cops and cartels, escalating into moments of extreme, video-game-like violence. Yet, this familiarity is precisely why it works. The opening sequence pays homage to the previous film, ‘Bad Boys for Life’ (2020), with Mike Lowrey (Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Lawrence) speeding through Miami. Marcus, inevitably feeling queasy, pleads for a stop, leading to a hilarious convenience store scene. Lawrence’s portrayal of Marcus’s infantile cravings adds a layer of humour and reliability.

Later, at Mike’s wedding to Christine (Melanie Liburd), Marcus’s heart attack and a surreal near-death experience with their late boss, Capt. Howard (Joe Pantoliano), serves as a turning point. He recovers with a renewed zest for life, determined to abandon his cautious ways. This rebirth, although clichéd, is delivered with a sincerity that’s both urgent and amusing, making Marcus the perfect counterbalance to Mike’s ageless coolness.

Smith, even post-Slap, retains his charisma and impeccable timing. The film doesn’t shy away from his infamous moment either; it directly references it in a climactic scene where Smith is repeatedly slapped by his partner, turning a personal misstep into a cathartic moment of humour and redemption.

The plot, while predictable, has its moments. A press conference smears the late Capt. Howard, suggesting ties with the cartels. Mike and Marcus, alongside Armando (Jacob Scipio), Mike’s son from the previous film, must uncover the truth. The villain, a military baddie, is as subtle as a mosquito swatter, but the film’s strength lies elsewhere.

‘Ride or Die’ is fundamentally about “family,” a theme expertly handled by co-directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, who create nail-biting scenarios where loyalty swiftly turns into action. From a hypnotic shootout on a military helicopter to a hilarious showdown at an NRA camp, and a wild finale in an abandoned Florida theme park, the film delivers non-stop thrills. Cameos from Tiffany Haddish, DJ Khaled, and even Michael Bay add to the fun.

Ultimately, it’s Smith and Lawrence who steal the show, making the nostalgic ‘Bad Boys’ formula feel fresh and exciting once more. They bring a familiar flavour to the screen, one that fans can’t help but savour, proving that even yesterday’s overdone popcorn can taste better than ever.