There is no denying that, a certain Oscars-related slap notwithstanding, Will Smith is still very much one of Hollywood’s most charismatic actors. Pair him with a co-star such as Martin Lawrence, who possesses a terrific sense of comedic timing, and you’re in for one heck of a ride.
Indeed, the latest “Bad Boys” outing is a wild “Ride or Die”. This is the fourth instalment in the buddy-cop franchise that dates back to 1995, pioneered by a certain subtle filmmaker named Michael Bay – who makes a delightful cameo!
Smith and Lawrence return to their respective roles of Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, best friends and police officers serving their city of Miami. So, what are the world’s best (and worst) cops up to this time?
This film ties back to its predecessor, in which their superior, Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano), met an untimely demise. Cut to the present, and allegations of corruption involving Howard leave Lowrey and Burnett searching for answers.
As it turns out, certain powerful people are framing their dead boss, and the dynamic duo’s snooping has caught their attention. Cue explosions and gunfights as these cops turn into criminals on the run, determined to clear their name and maintain their fallen captain’s honour.
While “Ride or Die” might not be as solid as the previous three instalments, directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah should still be commended for an entertaining outing. Hey, not everyone can match the directorial sense of Bay himself!
The action scenes here are well executed, with creative stunts aplenty – if you’re hankering for some violence, there is more than enough here to satiate your bloodthirst. And there are also moments of mounting tension that will leave you anxious over when the knives will come out.
With Smith as one of the two leads,there is always the possibility he might end up overshadowing his co-star. Thankfully, the script is written well enough to give him and Lawrence ample time to shine. This is in contrast to the previous film, “Bad Boys For Life”, in which Lawrence’s character felt like an afterthought.
In fact, much of this movie’s comedy can be attributed to Lawrence, whose delivery and physicality never fail to leave the audience in stitches. He and Smith have great chemistry, and it is apparent the two actors are having a blast.
It is also nice that, like their actors, the characters of Lowrey and Burnett are getting older: Burnett gets downed by a heart attack early on, and Lowrey discovers he has lost his touch with gunmanship.
Rather than making them invincible men of iron, the writers have worked ageing into the plot, while keeping it all light-hearted.
Also, keep your eyes open for nods at real-life incidents involving the actors. The abovementioned slap might or might not be referenced…!
All in all, given that “Ride or Die” is receiving positive reviews and good viewership, this might be a great place for the “Bad Boys” to take a bow. Alas, knowing Sony, they will milk this cash cow until its udders give out.
Who knows? Maybe the next instalment will have Lowrey and Burnett returning in “Bad Boys: Retirement Home”!
As of press time, ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ is screening in cinemas nationwide.