‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ reviews: Will Smith and Martin Lawrence prove ‘there’s enough spark left’ to fuel this funny franchise
On June 6, 2024, Sony Pictures released “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” the fourth film of this action-comedy franchise starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. When their former captain is implicated in corruption, police officers Mike Lowry (Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Lawrence) have to work to clear his name. The movie is directed by Adil & Bilall and written by Chris Bremner and Will Beall.
Critics reviews are mixed on Rotten Tomatoes, with a consensus that reads, “Will Smith and Martin Lawrence remain good company even when ‘Bad Boys’ strains to up the ante, proving there’s still life left in this high-octane franchise.” Perhaps more telling is the audience score of 98%, proving fans still love this funny duo. Joining the action this time around is a supporting cast that includes Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Nú?ez, Eric Dane and plenty of fun cameos. Read our full review round-up below.
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Brian Truitt of USA Today writes, “While many Hollywood franchises are flailing, ‘Bad Boys’ instead enjoys a renewed relevance thanks to revved-up emotional stakes and a couple of old favorites still at the top of their game.” Continuing, “Although efficiency is welcome in today’s age of the bloated run time, bits and pieces narratively fall into place sometimes too easily ? though honestly, who comes to a ‘Bad Boys’ movie looking for story logic?”
Anna Smith of Total Film praises the movie, stating, “Collateral damage is often played for giggles — life is pretty cheap in this world, unless you’re one of the good/bad boys. Yet, as with their previous adventures, the two headline stars still have enough charisma together to see this through.”
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Robert Kojder of Flickering Myth was less impressed, stating, “Marcus, who had just had a heart attack, is under direct orders from his family to cease strenuous activity and also become a vegetarian even though all he really wants are some Doritos that continuously get cringe product placement. He comes along for the adventure, anyway, with that health condition being an afterthought and never once again coming into play. Meanwhile, Mike has begun having panic attacks in the field, specifically before pulling the trigger on targets from a distance. Mike’s long-lost imprisoned son Armando (Jacob Scipio) also gets an opportunity to play hero, giving the impression that this series will be another ‘Fast and Furious’ where no misdeed is irredeemable.”
Jeffrey Lyles of Lyles’ Movie Files praises the film, stating, “Smith and Lawrence’s on-screen dynamic might not be as animated and zany as it was back in 1995, but there’s enough spark left that this doesn’t need to be the last ride.” Adding, “The film kicks off with Mike marrying Christine (Melanie Liburd, ‘This Is Us’) — a signal of Mike’s newfound maturity. It also leads to Marcus experiencing a life-altering event. Convinced he’s unable to die, Marcus has a more carefree, less reserved even reckless new lease on life. There’s a little awkwardness as Tasha Smith replaces Theresa Randle, who’s played the role of Marcus’ wife, Theresa, for the previous three films. Ironically, Mike is starting to consider all of the things he has to lose creating some hesitancy and reluctance to act as impulsively in dangerous situations.”
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