Hollywood has never shied away from cranking up the volume on action-packed sequels, but few franchises manage to capture the same electricity on their fourth lap around the track. With Bad Boys: Ride or Die, the fan-favorite duo of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence is back, and they’re proving that even after decades, they’ve still got the charisma, chemistry, and firepower to carry a franchise that lives and breathes adrenaline. Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, this latest installment delivers explosive action, sharp humor, and just the right touch of nostalgia to keep the “Bad Boys” legacy alive.
This movie has a clear mission: to remind fans why they fell in love with the series in the first place, while setting the stage for a new chapter that looks bolder, faster, and louder than ever. But does it succeed? Let’s dive into the good, the bad, and the just plain wild in this review of Bad Boys: Ride or Die.
The Plot: A New Era, Old Habits
Bad Boys: Ride or Die opens with Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) contemplating retirement—again. But as we’ve learned from the last three films, the world has other plans for him. His long-time partner Mike Lowrey (Will Smith), still the same stylish, risk-taking cop we know and love, is drawn into a new case that is as personal as it is dangerous. This time, a new threat from Mike’s mysterious past emerges, forcing the duo to face their biggest challenge yet.
Without giving too much away, the plot has the perfect mix of old-school buddy-cop elements combined with a fresh, more mature twist. Ride or Die doesn’t just rely on explosions and high-speed car chases (though there are plenty of those, don’t worry), but digs deeper into the emotional core of Mike and Marcus’ relationship. As they age, the stakes feel higher, and the script allows both characters room to grow without losing their sharp, comedic edge.
The addition of new characters injects fresh energy into the plot. Newcomer Vanessa Hudgens plays Kelly, an ambitious detective with a mysterious backstory, while Jacob Scipio returns as Armando Aretas, whose previous appearance left the door open for his evolution as a more complex antagonist. These fresh faces complement the old, but let’s be clear: this is still very much the Smith and Lawrence show, and they don’t disappoint.
Action That Hits Harder Than Ever
When it comes to action sequences, Bad Boys: Ride or Die pulls no punches. The franchise has always been known for its over-the-top stunts and explosive set pieces, and this time, it raises the bar once again. From the opening chase through the streets of Miami to a daring helicopter rescue that will have you gripping your seat, the film refuses to let up on the throttle.
One standout scene that’s sure to leave audiences breathless involves a high-speed motorbike chase through a rain-soaked city. The tight, frenetic editing combined with stunning visual effects create a sense of chaos and danger that mirrors the escalating tension between Mike and his new adversary. It’s not just about the big bangs, though. The choreography is slick and innovative, keeping each fight sequence fresh and engaging.
The directors have clearly learned from their work on Bad Boys for Life, refining their visual style to craft action scenes that feel larger than life while still being rooted in emotional stakes. The camera work and pacing are precise, making every gunshot, every punch, and every crash feel visceral and real. It’s a roller-coaster ride from start to finish, but one that doesn’t overwhelm you with senseless destruction. Every explosion serves a purpose, and every fight scene is a means to push the story forward.
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence: A Dynamic Duo for the Ages
Of course, what would Bad Boys be without its two leading men? Will Smith and Martin Lawrence once again prove that their chemistry is the secret sauce of this franchise. It’s been 25 years since the first Bad Boys hit the screen, and yet the duo’s rapport hasn’t lost a step. If anything, the years have only made them sharper, funnier, and more believable as partners who’ve been through hell and back together.
Smith, as always, is the epitome of cool. His portrayal of Mike Lowrey oozes confidence, but this time around, we also get to see a more vulnerable side of him. The past comes back to haunt him in a way that shakes his typically unshakable demeanor, allowing Smith to flex his dramatic muscles alongside the more familiar comedic beats.
On the other hand, Lawrence brings a different kind of energy. While Mike is all about taking risks and living on the edge, Marcus is the heart of the team, the grounded cop who balances out Mike’s reckless tendencies. Lawrence has always excelled at playing the reluctant hero, and here, his comedic timing is sharper than ever. His character’s constant talk of retirement, family, and fear of getting shot (again) provides the perfect foil to Smith’s daredevil persona.
Together, Smith and Lawrence deliver the laughs, but they also manage to bring a surprising amount of emotional depth to the film. Their friendship, both on and off the screen, is palpable, making the moments of tension and reconciliation between their characters all the more satisfying. The banter is as quick as ever, and the callbacks to their previous adventures will have longtime fans grinning from ear to ear.
Nostalgia Meets the Future: Bridging Generations
Bad Boys: Ride or Die is keenly aware of the legacy it’s carrying forward, and it leans into that nostalgia without being shackled by it. The film manages to pay homage to the classic buddy-cop formula that made the original a hit while also setting up the franchise for the future. The old-school fans will appreciate the familiar beats—the fast cars, flashy suits, and slow-motion shootouts—while new viewers will be drawn in by the slick, modern visuals and updated humor.
One of the film’s strengths is how it balances the past and the present. There are plenty of Easter eggs and nods to the original films, but these moments are sprinkled in rather than relied upon. At its core, this is a film about evolving—both as individuals and as a franchise. It’s no longer just about Mike and Marcus saving the day; it’s about them passing the torch to a new generation of heroes while still proving that they’ve got what it takes to handle business.
The supporting cast is a key part of this transition. Kelly (Hudgens) and the younger members of the AMMO team bring a fresh, tech-savvy approach to the crime-fighting game, contrasting with the old-school methods of Mike and Marcus. There’s even a running joke about how out of touch Mike is with modern technology, which serves as a lighthearted commentary on the generational divide. But make no mistake: when the bullets start flying, there’s no substitute for experience, and the veterans show the rookies how it’s done.
The Verdict: A Franchise Reborn
Bad Boys: Ride or Die is everything fans could want from a Bad Boys movie and then some. It’s loud, it’s funny, and it’s packed with enough action to keep you on the edge of your seat. But what sets it apart from its predecessors is its willingness to evolve. The film doesn’t just rehash old tropes or rely on nostalgia to carry the weight—it brings something new to the table.
Smith and Lawrence are in top form, delivering performances that remind us why they’ve remained Hollywood heavyweights for so long. The supporting cast adds a new layer to the story, helping to set the stage for what could be the next chapter in the franchise’s evolution. The action sequences are bigger, the stakes are higher, and the emotional beats hit harder than ever.
Sure, there are moments where the plot feels a little predictable, and the villains could use a bit more fleshing out. But those are minor gripes in an otherwise thrilling ride. At its heart, Bad Boys: Ride or Die is a celebration of the buddy-cop genre and a testament to the enduring appeal of its two leading men.
For fans of the series, this is a must-watch. And for newcomers? Buckle up, because you’re in for one hell of a ride.
Final Rating: 8.5/10
In a world full of franchises that often overstay their welcome, Bad Boys: Ride or Die proves there’s still plenty of gas left in the tank.
