Will Smith and Martin Lawrence star in their fourth film (that began with Bad Boys in 1995) about a pair of rebellious, undisciplined police detectives who break the rules, and the result is an entertaining mix of comedy and action in Bad Boys: Ride or Die.
Still bickering and arguing, Detectives Mike Lowrey (Smith) and Marcus Miles Burnett (Lawrence) are dealing with middle age and life changing events. When evidence emerges to taint their former captain (Joe Pantoliano) with corruption, they find themselves in the midst of a dangerous conspiracy that threatens not only their lives but their loved ones. Not knowing who to trust and becoming hunted themselves, they enlist unlikely allies and race to clear their reputations and expose a ruthless, deadly enemy. As the principals all converge in an impossible scenario, it builds to an explosive finish that forces ‘the boys’ to risk everything.
The film sticks to a winning formula including acrobatic camerawork and frenetic editing highlighting over-the-top action sequences including one involving a soft spoken Marine (a family boyfriend) that is a show stopper. Directors Adil El Arbi and Bilail Fallah return with their graphic gunplay not unlike the template of original Bad Boys director Michael Bay (making a cameo here and) who helped usher this series with its tone and filmmaking style.
The
chemistry and humor still works between
Smith and Lawrence, and their rapport is part of the appeal of this series. It is by no means a perfect film, but there’s
enough action, humor, and, yes, heart to please fans (while referencing past
films) and show that there is still life in this franchise with the prospects of another sequel virtually
assured.
**** of
***** stars (for Bad Boys fans)
No comments:
Post a Comment