In a weekend filled with anticipation and excitement, moviegoers have given a resounding show of support to Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ hit theaters. The duo, donning their signature roles, brought in approximately $56 million in ticket sales across the United States and Canada, showcasing once again the power of diverse audiences in driving box office success.
Audience reaction is overwhelmingly positive
The premiere showing of ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ was met with enthusiastic and positive reactions from fans, propelling it to a strong opening weekend. This is echoed by the A-minus CinemaScore from moviegoers, reflecting widespread approval. Notably, this follows the success of films like ‘Ready Player One’, which had a similarly favorable reception.
Successful promotional tour in Mexico City
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence recently visited Mexico City to promote their film. The promotional activities were lively and engaging, further building enthusiasm for the new release. The duo’s charisma and chemistry were evident, delighting fans and media alike, despite Will Smith’s controversial moment at the 2022 Oscars.
Returning to signature roles
‘Ride or Die’, which returned Will Smith to his role as Mike Lowrey alongside Martin Lawrence’s Marcus Burnett, was made on an estimated budget of $100 million. The film’s reception underscores the magnetic pull of these two actors reprising their iconic roles amidst high-octane action and comedy.
CinemaScore ratings reveal audience enjoyment
The R-rated film garnered significant acclaim, earning an A-minus grade on CinemaScore. According to Sony Pictures, the surveys conducted before the release anticipated a bullish $45 million in ticket sales for North America alone, yet the film surpassed these expectations with ease.
The film itself is just an extraordinary piece of movie making.
, says Jeff Goldstein, Warner Bros. domestic distribution president. This quote highlights not only Will Smith’s personal redemption arc but also the film’s outstanding quality as seen through a critical lens. 
Diverse audiences drive box office resurgence
A crucial aspect of ‘Ride or Die’s success has been its appeal to diverse audiences. Black and Latino communities significantly contributed to its impressive debut figures, highlighting how essential inclusivity and representation are in sustaining box office vitality amidst changing viewing habits. As Martin Lawrence’s character humorously acknowledges his partner’s larger-than-life persona post-Oscars with a slap-and-call “bad boy,” the audience found even more reasons to connect with this latest installment.
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