Bad Boys: Ride or Die – Movie Reviews by Ry!

Bad Boys: Ride or Die – Miami Bonds of Cops and Friendship … Watcha Gonna Do???

With every film, there is a feeling of hope and anxiety about what to expect.  From the grit of action to the endearing feeling of romance, as the story goes … so does our excitement.  For a person like me, to see the journey unfold becomes a context of its own creation.  No matter the cliches, archetypes or genre motifs, the question becomes: are you able to provide some kind of enjoyment?  In this review, I look at the latest entry in a popular buddy/cop franchise.  Even with a predictable setup, Bad Boys: Ride or Die lifts us into another chapter of laughter and action with our favorite Miami Detectives. 

When Miami’s finest, Mike Lowery (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence), are caught in the crosshairs of corruption, they must uncover certain truths before the honor of the badge is destroyed.  Bad Boys is a franchise that prides itself on a mixture of action/comedy and the buddy cop motif.  Within these genre cliches and motifs, what makes these films enjoyable is the comradery between Lowery and Burnett.  With this 4^th entry, we continue through that trend of simplistic action/comedy setup … which is glued together by the chemistry of the two detective’s friendship.  This is done through typical action sequences, comedic one-liners and generic plot tropes.  Through its predictable setup, we learn that a frame job is being done on deceased Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano) and it is up to the two detectives (with a few supporting cast) to uncover the truth.  This generic setup is redundant, but it allows for the buddy/cop motif to shine through our main leads.  As the film builds through its mystery and heavy foreshadowing, it becomes a man on the run styled journey with familiar faces (from previous films).  This shift pushes to the forefront all the accolades that make this franchise an adrenaline filled experience: Over-the-top action, comical banter and unexpected moments of satire.  With the two detectives left to their own vices, we race through these moments to an experience fitting of its own title: Bad Boys: Ride or Die. 

With Lowery and Burnett working in the shadows to uncover the truth, it layers within the stylistic choices of camera work, gun play aesthetics and uncanny action sequences.  The stylistic choices (made by the filmmakers) provide a uniqueness to the general formula (of this franchise), creating moments in the second half that stand out above the cliches of the setup.  With the unraveling of the truth coming to a head, Lowery and Burnett (with their trusted associates) make one final push to take those trying to undue the good name of Captain Howard.  This leads into a third act that takes the action, comedy and buddy cop formula to a new extreme … one that will have you on the edge of your seat till the hilarious epilogue.  Bad Boys: Ride or Die is a film that recognizes itself and builds through the enjoyment of its action and leads.  If you are a fan of action/comedy or buddy cop style films, this is one for you.  I believe there is fun to be had, worth seeing on the big screen.    

Full Score – 3.5 out of 5 (Matinee)