Bad Boys: Ride or Die-A Good, Bad and Funny Review
The Bad Boys franchise is one that has always been a mixed bag to me. The first film is uber-cool, funny and one of the better films from Michael Bay. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are dynamite as two buddy vice cops working in Miami. Smith and Lawrence form one of the best comedy double acts in the history of action films-Smith as the straight man, and Lawrence as the zany character. Smith is also the hotshot cowboy cop and a Casanova, whereas Lawrence is the grounded and spiritual family man who in spite of his zaniness, balances Smith’s character. The second film has more action, more juvenile humor and is much longer, causing people to completely bash it. The second film has since become more beloved but it is still considered inferior. Honestly I prefer the second film’s action but the first film’s coolness and plot, barring the subplot of the heroes protecting a witness. That said, both of the first two Bad Boys films did not get much respect from critics. Bayhem at finest is still bad for many people. However, after long (17 years!) hiatus, Smith and Lawrence return as Mike Lowry and Marcus Burnett for Bad Boys For Life, which is directed by the team of Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, and it would be a bigger critical hit than the first two films. I would say Bad Boys For Life is the best film in the franchise, with an interesting and darker story, fairly strong action, comedy that is both effective and less juvenile and a deconstruction of violent macho mentality that drove the first two films. Now four years later, with the team of Arbi and Fallah at the helm again, we have Bad Boys: Ride or Die (yes, I know some think this film should switch titles with the third film). Critical reviews are mixed, which I guessed would be the case as I was watching the film. The film is fast paced and the story is pretty standard stuff. However, I recommend the film for those who enjoyed the other films in the franchise. I am dividing my review into three sections-The Good, the Bad and The Funny. Don’t worry, no spoilers here. Well, except for the Funny section.
The Good
1-Will Smith and Martin’s Lawrence’s chemistry is strong as ever, and both men are in good form.
2-An entertaining supporting cast who provide some of the best moments in the film. Jacob Scipio, as Mike Lowry’s son, proves to be equal to Smith and Lawrence in both the action and comedy department. Dennis McDonald as Marcus Burnett’s son-in-law has his moments too.
3-Callbacks to the previous three films, most of which are plot-relevant.
4-The action, in terms of editing, cinematography and stunt work, are top notch.
5-The film’s efficiency: there are no wasted scenes in the film. There are no long, drawn-out sequences that exist to pad the story. Whether or not you think the story is good, that is another matter.
6-The villains are not your over-the-top, cackling, laughable types. They are cold-blooded, clever and determined.
The Bad
1-Some interesting characters are grossly underused.
2-Despite the efficiency, some characters should not been in the film at all.
3-The film is little too fast-paced.
4-Some very obvious plot points.
The Funny
1-A cover version of Inner Circle’s song Bad Boys that must be heard to believe. And our heroes still don’t know the words.
2-Hospital gowns do not interact with wind very well.
3-Marcus Burnett’s philosophical and spiritual musings.
4-Really, about 70% of Martin Lawrence’s lines
5-The confrontation between between the heroes and some country boys.
6-Another great 80s hit song becomes the rallying cry for the heroes.
7-A scene that feels like a clapback for Will Smith’s infamous slap incident with Chris Rock (at least to me).
Overall, Bad Boys: Ride or Die may not be a critical smash, but it is an entertaining film that is recommended for fans of Will Smith, Martin Lawrence and the franchise on a whole.
