"Bad Boys: Ride or Die" is a 2024 American action comedy film starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, marking the fourth installment in the beloved Bad Boys franchise. Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, the film follows Miami detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett as they attempt to clear the name of their late Captain, Conrad Howard, who has been falsely accused of conspiracy.
"Bad Boys: Ride or Die" is the fourth installment in the Bad Boys franchise, directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah. The film follows Miami detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) as they attempt to clear the name of their late Captain, Conrad Howard, who has been posthumously accused of corruption. The plot thickens as they uncover a conspiracy involving corrupt DEA officer James McGrath (Eric Dane) and mayoral candidate Adam Lockwood (Ioan Gruffudd), who have been working with drug cartels. The film features high-octane action sequences, including a helicopter hijacking and a shootout at an art gallery, and explores themes of family, legacy, and redemption. The dynamic between Mike and Marcus remains central, blending humor and drama as they navigate personal and professional challenges. The movie also introduces modern elements through the involvement of the AMMO team, adding a fresh dynamic to the franchise12345.
"Bad Boys: Ride or Die" has received mixed reviews, with critics highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. Below is a summary of the critical reception:
| Positive Aspects | Negative Aspects |
|---|---|
| The chemistry between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence remains a highlight, providing moments of genuine camaraderie and humor12. | The plot is criticized for being overly formulaic and recycling tropes from previous installments, leading to a sense of déjà vu145. |
| The film features impressive action sequences, including a helicopter hijacking and a shootout at an art gallery, which are noted for their creativity and execution12. | Many jokes fall flat, with some critics finding the humor forced and unfunny14. |
| Directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah are praised for their dynamic and kinetic camerawork, including innovative drone shots and a first-person shooter sequence23. | The script by Chris Bremner and Will Beall is described as lacking originality and depth, relying heavily on clichés and predictable twists15. |
| The character of Reggie, Marcus's son-in-law, is highlighted as a scene-stealer, adding a fresh and entertaining element to the film12. | Some critics feel the film's attempt to address Will Smith's real-life controversies, such as the Oscar slap, is tone-deaf and unnecessary25. |
Overall, while "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" delivers the expected action and humor, it struggles to break new ground and suffers from a lack of originality. Fans of the franchise may still find it entertaining, but it may not appeal to new viewers1245.
The cast of "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" features a mix of returning favorites and new faces, contributing to the film's dynamic and engaging storyline. Below is a detailed look at the main cast members and their roles:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Will Smith | Mike Lowrey |
| Martin Lawrence | Marcus Burnett |
| Vanessa Hudgens | Kelly |
| Alexander Ludwig | Dorn |
| Paola Núñez | Rita Secada |
| Eric Dane | Villain (Unnamed) |
| Ioan Gruffudd | Adam Lockwood |
| Jacob Scipio | Armando Aretas |
| DJ Khaled | Manny the Butcher |
| Tasha Smith | Theresa Burnett |
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence reprise their iconic roles as Miami detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, respectively, while Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, and Paola Núñez return from "Bad Boys for Life." New additions include Eric Dane as the villain and Ioan Gruffudd as Adam Lockwood, adding fresh elements to the franchise12345.
