Review of Bad Boys Ride or Die: An enjoyable journey showcasing the camaraderie between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence

If this summer blockbuster aims to bring back the essence that fans have cherished for over two decades and inject some extra excitement into it, then the fourth installment of this buddy cop comedy-action series does just that. Bad Boys: Ride or Die transports you back to Miami, where detectives Mike Lowrey (played by Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (portrayed by Martin Lawrence) face a new challenge – uncovering corruption within the Miami Police Department and clearing their late captain’s name from false accusations of ties to drug cartels. Packed with a mix of emotions, the movie kicks off with the wedding of Mike and Christine (played by Melanie Liburd). The celebration takes an unexpected turn when Marcus suffers a heart attack, but his humor and quick wit help him pull through. With a newfound belief in his invincibility, Marcus finds himself in comical situations, like dancing through a busy Miami street amidst speeding cars. As the plot thickens, the duo springs into action to seek justice for their slain friend Captain Howard (portrayed by Joe Pantoliano), who has been framed for involvement in a cartel’s illicit money activities. Lowrey and Burnett race against time to uncover the truth, all while evading both the police and Miami gangsters who are hot on their trail, enticed by the hefty bounty on their heads.

Will Smith makes a big-screen comeback in this movie following the memorable incident at the 2022 Oscar ceremony. In this role, he gets to display his versatility as an entertainer, blending comedy, emotion, and action effortlessly. It’s a chance for him to breathe life back into one of his beloved characters. However, it’s Martin Lawrence who steals the show with his quirky humor and witty lines. While Smith may seem a bit weary at times, Lawrence’s comedic timing shines brightly. Together, the duo proves that despite nearly two decades passing since their first buddy cop appearance, they still exude energy and maintain their delightful on-screen chemistry. The directing duo of Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah skillfully guide the story as Miami’s notorious ‘bad boys’ find themselves in hot pursuit. They cleverly leverage the nostalgia associated with the genre. While the film may lack intense moments, it offers the comfort of familiarity, making ‘more of the same’ its unique selling point. Not every joke lands perfectly (some words are even censored for certain audiences), but the cop comedy highlights that the seasoned stars still have what it takes as they dive headfirst into action. Director: Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah Cast: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Núñez, Eric Dane, Ioan Gruffudd, Rhea Seehorn Rating: Two and a half stars