Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024) Review

 

Introduction

Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024) marks the explosive return of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as Miami detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, who also helmed Bad Boys for Life (2020), this fourth installment in the franchise amps up the action, humor, and high-stakes drama. Packed with adrenaline-fueled sequences and the iconic banter fans love, Ride or Die seeks to solidify the series’ legacy as one of the most entertaining buddy cop franchises of all time.

Plot Overview

After the events of Bad Boys for Life, Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) are adjusting to their new roles: Marcus is contemplating retirement, while Mike is training a new task force. Their plans are disrupted when a dangerous international arms dealer, Eliza Vega (Eva Mendes, in a surprise return), resurfaces with ties to Mike’s past.

When the task force is ambushed, Mike and Marcus find themselves in the crosshairs of a deadly conspiracy that spans continents. With the stakes higher than ever, the duo teams up with tech-savvy recruits and some old allies to bring down a shadowy network threatening global security. Amid explosions, car chases, and high-octane firefights, the partners must confront their own fears and doubts about loyalty, legacy, and friendship.

Strengths

1. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence’s Unmatched Chemistry

The heart of the franchise remains the dynamic duo’s chemistry. Smith’s cocky, action-driven Mike pairs perfectly with Lawrence’s comedic and cautious Marcus. Their interactions are both hilarious and heartfelt, grounding the film’s larger-than-life action.

2. Spectacular Action Sequences

From high-speed chases through Miami’s neon-lit streets to an explosive showdown in an abandoned fortress, the action is relentless and expertly choreographed. Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah bring a cinematic flair that rivals Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters.

3. Eva Mendes’s Intriguing Return

Mendes reprises her role as Syd, Mike’s former love interest and a DEA agent with her own agenda. Her character adds emotional depth and personal stakes to the story, especially as secrets about Mike’s past unravel.

4. Balanced Humor and Drama

The film expertly balances laugh-out-loud moments with poignant reflections on aging, legacy, and family. Marcus’s humorous reluctance to dive back into danger contrasts with Mike’s driven and fearless nature, creating a narrative that’s both entertaining and meaningful.

5. Impressive Ensemble Cast

Newcomers like Jacob Scipio as Armando, Mike’s son and a reformed ally, and Vanessa Hudgens as the tech-savvy Kelly bring fresh energy to the series. The supporting cast seamlessly integrates into the narrative without overshadowing the leads.

Weaknesses

1. Familiar Plot Elements

While the film delivers thrills, its storyline occasionally leans on well-trodden action tropes, such as shadowy conspiracies and personal vendettas. This predictability slightly diminishes the impact of some twists.

2. Underutilization of New Characters

Despite strong performances, some of the new additions to the cast lack substantial development. Their roles feel more like plot devices than fully realized characters, leaving untapped potential.

3. Pacing Issues

The middle act slows down with exposition-heavy scenes that disrupt the film’s momentum. While these moments provide context, they could have been streamlined for a tighter narrative.

Themes and Symbolism

1. Legacy and Mentorship

Mike and Marcus’s evolving roles as mentors reflect on their journey from reckless cops to seasoned veterans. The theme of passing the torch is woven throughout, particularly in their interactions with the younger task force.

2. Family and Loyalty

The film explores the bonds of family, both chosen and biological. Mike’s relationship with his son Armando and Marcus’s protective instincts for his own family underscore the emotional stakes.

3. Redemption and Growth

Characters grapple with their past mistakes and seek redemption, particularly Armando and Eliza Vega. These arcs add depth to the action-packed narrative.

Visual and Technical Aspects

1. Cinematography

Robrecht Heyvaert’s cinematography captures Miami’s vibrant energy while juxtaposing it with gritty, high-stakes action set pieces. The visuals are dynamic and engaging, enhancing the film’s overall impact.

2. Soundtrack

The film’s soundtrack blends hip-hop and Latin influences, perfectly complementing its Miami setting. Familiar tracks from the original films are interspersed with modern beats, creating a nostalgic yet fresh auditory experience.

3. Editing

The action sequences are tightly edited, ensuring clarity and impact. However, some of the quieter moments could have been trimmed to improve pacing.

Final Verdict

Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024) delivers the high-octane action, humor, and heart that fans expect while introducing new elements to keep the franchise fresh. Though it leans on familiar tropes and struggles with pacing at times, the film’s charismatic leads, explosive set pieces, and emotional resonance make it a worthy addition to the Bad Boys legacy. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, Ride or Die is a fun and thrilling ride.

Rating: 8/10