I watched Bad Boys: Ride or Die, the fourth movie in the Bad Boys series, yesterday evening and it’s pretty much what you’d expect if you’ve been following Mike (Will Smith) and Marcus (Martin Lawrence) since the '90s. The movie has that same mix of action, humour, and the signature bromance that we’ve all come to love.
The story kicks off with a bang—literally—with Marcus having a heart attack at Mike's wedding. This leads to some funny yet predictable antics as he recovers and starts feeling invincible. This new "I can’t die" attitude of his, unsurprisingly, causes more trouble than it’s worth, and Mike is not amused. Meanwhile, they’re on a mission to clear the name of their late captain, Conrad Howard, who’s being framed for corruption. And to spice things up, Mike's hitman son, Armando, from the last movie, is back in the mix, adding even more drama.
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The plot is as convoluted as ever, with lots of explosions, car chases, and shootouts. Mike and Marcus might be getting older, but they’re still causing chaos wherever they go. There’s even a giant albino alligator thrown in for good measure—because why not, right?
One of the best parts of the movie for me was definitely the chemistry between Smith and Lawrence. These guys have been playing these characters for almost 30 years, and it really shows. Their banter is sharp, and you can tell they’re having a blast together on screen. Lawrence, in particular, had me cracking up with his comedic timing, whether he’s dodging bullets or sneaking hot dogs on his no-salt diet.
The supporting cast also adds to the fun. Rhea Seehorn plays Howard’s daughter, who’s out for revenge, with Armando on her list, bringing some emotional weight to the story. Dennis Greene, as Marcus's son-in-law, also has a memorable moment in a badass action scene that I won't forget anytime soon.
Directors Adil & Bilall keep the action coming, with some cool new twists like a first-person shooter sequence that felt straight out of a video game. The film doesn’t break any new ground but delivers exactly what we fans expect: high-octane action and plenty of laughs. And also, the cameos were fun too!
Sure, there are moments that feel a bit too on the nose, like Mike’s panic attacks which seem conveniently timed for the plot. But overall, the movie is a solid addition to the series.
TSHC Score: 7.5/10
If you’re a fan of the Bad Boys movies, "Ride or Die" won’t disappoint. It’s not trying to be anything more than a loud, flashy, and entertaining ride. It’s not perfect, but it’s a fun watch, especially if you’re just looking to enjoy some mindless action with familiar faces.
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