Bad Boys: Ride or Die Review

 

Sequels often struggle to recapture the enchantment of their predecessors. Common pitfalls include neglected details, hastened plots, or a blatant disregard for the original’s essence. Yet, the “Bad Boys” franchise stands as a delightful exception. The inaugural film, starring Martin Lawrence and Will Smith, broke the mold with its unique blend of relatable characters amidst the typical action-packed genre. Its sequel managed to maintain this allure, offering an entertaining ride that had me nodding along to its rhythm. Both movies struck a harmonious chord of humor and intensity, a testament to the dynamic duo’s chemistry.

“Bad Boys” introduced us to the charismatic pair of Marcus Burnett (Lawrence) and Mike Lowrey (Smith), two Miami narcotics detectives. They delve into a high-stakes case involving the heist of $100 million worth of Mafia heroin from a fortified police vault. With Internal Affairs suspecting an inside job and threatening to disband the Miami PD, our heroes are thrust into a race against time, with just 72 hours to reclaim the contraband.

Lowrey’s got that street-smart swagger, using his connections to sniff out the baddies. It’s a wild ride but with enough grit to make you feel like you’re in the thick of a legit crime caper. “Bad Boys 2” cranked up the drama with a side of romantic tension—Lowrey’s got a thing for Burnett’s sister, stirring the pot between our favorite cop duo. Still, it kept the original’s spark alive, mixing laughs and thrills in that way only Lawrence and Smith can.

Fast forward seventeen years, and “Bad Boys for Life” hits the scene. I was skeptical but couldn’t resist rooting for my top actors. Expecting a decent flick at best, I was blown away—it outdid its predecessors! Sequels pulling a “Terminator 2” are rare, but this one nailed it. They didn’t just rehash the old; they gave us a deep dive into who these guys really are. And yet, some things never change—like Burnett’s iconic drawl when he says “Mike Lowrey.” Gets me every time. Plus, the new crew? They weren’t just fillers; they were game-changers in the story.

The flick kicks off with a bang—literally. We’ve got the wife and son of a notorious Mexican drug lord on a vendetta spree, hunting down everyone involved in daddy’s lock-up. Lowrey’s right in the thick of it, catching a bullet for his troubles. He’s not flying solo, though; he’s got Burnett and a squad of fresh-faced AMMO specialists watching his six. It’s a classic old dogs, new tricks situation as they hustle to topple the cartel.

Now, I’m telling you, this movie was a game-changer. It had more punch, more pizzazz than its siblings. And let’s talk about the new blood—Armando. Jacob Scipio didn’t just play the part; he owned it. The man was bad news, but you couldn’t help but think, “Damn, evil never looked so good.” And that ending? Left me hanging on the edge of my seat, ready to dive into whatever comes next with Armando front and center.

Cut to “Bad Boys: For Life”—I think, “No way this one’s keeping up with the Joneses.” But, surprise, surprise, it’s not just keeping up; it’s setting the pace. How did they manage to outdo themselves? They took those under-the-radar characters and gave them the spotlight they deserved. Threw in a dash of new-school tactical flair and brought Armando into the limelight. Talk about leveling up!

I give this movie 5 out of 5 acorns.