Bad Boys: Ride or Die is the fourth installment of the iconic series, bringing back familiar faces like Will Smith and Martin Lawrence who continue to portray Miami detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett.
Same old explosive action
Once again, the narrative centers around high-octane action sequences mixed with comedic interludes. However, this time it doesn’t seem to bring anything new to the table. The pair face a challenging scenario following the death of their longtime captain, Conrad Howard. A video message from Howard, played by Joe Pantoliano, leaves them reeling, suggesting his death was not natural.
The red carpet event
The premiere at TCL Chinese Theatre saw a cavalcade of stars. Will Smith attended in an all-black ensemble alongside wife Jada Pinkett Smith, who wore a geometric-patterned gown. Directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah arrived spectacularly on top of a double-decker bus, highlighting their excitement for the film.
A stellar yet familiar cast
The film reintroduces fans to Alexander Ludwig, who plays Mike’s son Armando, and Vanessa Hudgens, part of a special police unit that may clash with our veteran protagonists. Adding Ludwig as Mike’s son introduces a new dynamic but still fails to propel the narrative to significant heights.
Not much has changed
This latest entry relies heavily on nostalgia without much innovation. While familiarity breeds comfort, it also risks rendering the franchise stagnant. In an exchange during the film, Marcus tells Mike, You’re stuck in the physical, souls don’t have d*cks
, to which Mike amusingly replies, I’m pretty sure my soul has a d*ck, Marcus.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for something groundbreaking, this installment might not meet expectations. Yet it does provide the trademark blend of action and comedy that fans cherish.
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