Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)

Bad Boys: Ride or Die continues the action-packed saga of Miami detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence). This fourth installment delivers the explosive action, humor, and camaraderie fans expect from the iconic duo while introducing new challenges that push their partnership to its limits.

Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, Ride or Die is a direct sequel to 2020’s Bad Boys for Life and aims to build on the legacy of the franchise. But does it truly innovate, or does it tread water?

A Familiar Formula with Flashy Action

If you’ve loved the previous Bad Boys films, Ride or Die will feel like slipping into a comfortable pair of sneakers. The film blends intense shootouts, over-the-top stunts, and comedic banter between its two leads. However, it doesn’t stray far from the formula fans know all too well.

The movie kicks off with a wedding—Mike Lowrey’s, no less—but quickly spirals into chaos as Marcus Burnett suffers a heart attack, leading to an unexpected vision of their late Captain Conrad Howard (Joe Pantoliano). As Marcus recovers, the duo discovers their beloved captain’s name is being tarnished posthumously, dragging them into a dangerous mission to clear his legacy.

While the plot meanders a bit in the first act, the directors find their stride with adrenaline-pumping sequences. From a helicopter chase to a chaotic shootout at a gator farm, the film’s standout moments are its action set-pieces. The use of drone photography adds a dynamic, hyperkinetic feel that energizes these scenes, even if the storytelling sometimes takes a backseat.

Cast and Characters

As always, the heart of the Bad Boys franchise is the chemistry between Smith and Lawrence. While their banter feels slightly less sharp than in previous installments, their charisma carries the movie.

Returning Cast:

• Will Smith as Mike Lowrey
• Martin Lawrence as Marcus Burnett
• Vanessa Hudgens as Kelly
• Alexander Ludwig as Dorn
• Jacob Scipio as Armando
• Paola Núñez as Captain Rita Secada

New Faces:

• Eric Dane as McGrath, the underwhelming villain
• Rhea Seehorn as Judy, Captain Howard’s daughter
• Quinn Hemphill as Callie, Judy’s daughter and new “damsel in distress”

Despite a few standout performances, the expanded cast occasionally feels overstuffed, with some characters existing more as plot devices than meaningful additions to the story.

Strengths and Weaknesses

What Works:

• Action Sequences: The drone photography and chaotic energy of the action scenes are visually striking, keeping viewers engaged.
• Jacob Scipio: Armando’s character brings a surprising depth and intensity to the film.
• Camaraderie: The nostalgic bond between Mike and Marcus is still the soul of the franchise.

What Falls Short:

• Villain: Eric Dane’s McGrath lacks depth and menace, making him one of the most forgettable villains in the franchise.
• Predictable Plot: The narrative often feels like it’s on autopilot, rehashing themes and beats from previous installments without adding anything new.
• Missed Opportunities: Themes like corruption and radicalization are introduced but never fully explored, leaving the story feeling shallow.

Box Office and Streaming Release

Bad Boys: Ride or Die premiered in theaters on June 7, 2024, with a production budget of $100 million. The film was a box office hit, grossing $403.9 million worldwide.

After dominating theaters, the movie made its streaming debut on Netflix on October 8, 2024. It quickly climbed Netflix’s Top 10 charts in several countries, proving the enduring popularity of the franchise.

Final Thoughts

Bad Boys: Ride or Die offers a mix of high-octane action and nostalgic fun, but it doesn’t quite capture the magic of its predecessors. While it’s an enjoyable watch for fans, it’s hard not to wish for a bolder, more inventive take on the beloved series.

If you’re looking for an action-packed ride with familiar faces and a few laughs, Bad Boys: Ride or Die delivers. But for those hoping for the franchise to push its boundaries, this sequel might feel like it’s treading water.