Bad Boys: Ride or Die

Official Australian release date: 6/6/24. Viewed: 9/6/24.
Directors: Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah
Actors: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Eric Dane, Jacob Scipio
Genre: Action / Comedy
Rating: MA

‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ (or Bad Boys 4) comes only 4 years after the 3^rd film, a record turnaround-time for this franchise. It picks up the plot from that film, with Mike (Smith) and Marcus (Lawrence) dealing with the fallout of Mike’s newfound son, Armando (Scipio). They have to try to clear Captain Howard’s (Pantoliano) name, after he’s framed by the bad guy, McGrath (Dane).  

Great, opening, re-establishing Mike & Marcus’ connection, with Marcus then having an epiphany which leads to lots of funny moments throughout the film. Lots of the cast are back from the last film: new Captain, Rita (Nunez), Marcus’ son-in-law Reggie (McDonald), and young cops Kelly (Hudgens) & Dorn (Ludwig). We also have Judy (Seehorn) as Captain Howard’s daughter and Lockwood (Gruffudd) as Rita’s partner/future mayor. Everyone does their bit and no more.

When Mike & Marcus are set-up and have to save Armando, they end up on the run south of Miami. This also helps grow Mike & Armando’s characters. It then sets up the big show-down at the end in an abandoned alligator park – what could go wrong? Pretty great final act, lots of explosions, gun battles and always some comedic quips. Nothing feels too long, and there’s a bit more fun in this film than the previous one.

Overall: Best ‘Bad Boys’ since the original

Gav's Rating: 3.5 stars