When their former captain is implicated in corruption, two Miami police officers have to work to clear his name.
The Bad Boys franchise has long been a staple of action-comedy, delivering high-octane sequences and memorable banter between leads Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. However, it wasn’t until the third installment, “Bad Boys for Life,” that the series found its emotional resonance. Smith’s Mike Lowrey faced a near-death experience, adding depth to his partnership with Lawrence’s Marcus Burnett and elevating the franchise beyond mere escapist entertainment.
With “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah seek to replicate this success by putting Marcus in a similar position of vulnerability. Unfortunately, this narrative choice feels overly familiar, risking a sense of déjà vu in a crowded genre. The plot, centered on corruption allegations and betrayal, requires Mike and Marcus to go rogue, but can they navigate this complex landscape and clear their reputations?
The spark between Smith and Lawrence still crackles, but “Ride or Die” can’t shake the feeling of repetitiveness. The action sequences and humor that once thrived on their buddy-cop charm now play out like a well-worn mixtape. Even Lawrence, typically a comedic goldmine, struggles to breathe life into the franchise’s tired formula. His signature bluster rings hollow, leaving fans wondering if this ride is finally running on fumes.
The Bad Boys franchise has enjoyed an impressive nearly three-decade run, but every series reaches a natural endpoint. If “Ride or Die” leaves audiences underwhelmed, failing to deliver on the action and humor that once defined it, it may be time to consider a graceful conclusion for Mike and Marcus. Allowing the characters to retire on a high note would be a more dignified ending than a slow descent into irrelevance.
Now avaialble on Digital and on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD September 24th
3.4k
20k
1.5k
1.3k