Will Smith recently opened up about the deeply emotional first day on set with his Bad Boys co-star Martin Lawrence during the filming of Bad Boys: Ride or Die. Reflecting on their initial interaction, Smith described a heartfelt moment which set the tone for their collaboration. I walked in yesterday, and it was the first time I had seen Martin and the family. It was just emotional for all of us.
An Emotional Reunion
The bond between Smith and Lawrence has always been a cornerstone of the Bad Boys franchise. On that first day, emotions ran high as the two actors reconnected on set. Smith recounted how Lawrence greeted him warmly with an unexpected message: He said, ‘Hey, hey, hold on, hold on. I said, ‘Hey, what’s up?’ And he just looked, he said, ‘I love you brother.’ And I was like, ‘yeah, yeah, yeah. All love brother, all love.’ I’m ‘No, no, no, no, no.
The Legacy of Conrad Howard
Ride or Die revolves around clearing the name of Captain Conrad Howard (played by Joe Pantoliano). After his demise, Howard is framed as an informant for a Mexican drug cartel. Detectives Mike (Smith) and Marcus (Lawrence) embark on a mission to redeem his tarnished reputation.
The Impact of the Oscars Incident
The production of Ride or Die, initially paused after Smith’s controversial Oscar incident in 2022 when he slapped Chris Rock. Smith’s public image took a hit, but filming eventually resumed. Tom Rothman commented on this incident saying: There weren’t any brakes to pump because the car wasn’t moving. That was a very unfortunate thing that happened, and I don’t think it’s really my place to comment, except to say that I’ve known Will Smith for many years, and I know him to be a good person.
A Look Behind the Scenes
The film is directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah with Michael Bay making a cameo appearance. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer continues his role as producer in this fourth installment of the franchise.
Aging Heroes and Comedy Chemistry
Ride or Die showcases the beloved buddy-cop duo facing new challenges that reflect their characters’ aging. Marcus experiences a heart attack while dancing and Mike suffers from panic attacks amidst their action-packed escapades.
The film’s true magic lies in the comedic chemistry between Smith and Lawrence. Will Smith spoke fondly about this dynamic: I love you brother.
. It’s their banter and heartfelt moments which continue to resonate with audiences.
A Nostalgic yet Fresh Approach
Ride or Die, while nostalgic for its 1990s origins with its plot rooted in buddy-cop tradition amidst Miami’s vibrant backdrop, introduces novel elements like drones and intricate camera tricks reminiscent of its predecessors’ cinematic style.
A Potential for Future Installments
The directing duo of Adil & Bilall keeps the pace brisk and entertaining. Despite some criticisms around predictability, the film maintains its essence of explosive antics balanced with comedic relief.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die, rated R for strong violence, language throughout, and some sexual references spans 115 minutes filled with action-packed sequences awaited by long-time fans.
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