Bad Boys Ride or Die: A Thrilling Summer Action Caper

The fourth installment of the Bad Boys franchise, Ride or Die, is a thrilling summer action caper that brings the heat when it matters most. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence reprise their iconic roles as Miami cops Mike and Marcus, and their chemistry is still undeniable.

The dynamic duo is back

The plot is complicated, but directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah do an excellent job of keeping things clear for viewers. The film’s hook revolves around Mike and Marcus trying to clear the name of their late police captain, Howard (Joe Pantoliano), after they get framed for a drug conspiracy.

What makes this film work is the balancing act between Smith and Lawrence’s take on the classic “good cop/bad cop” relationship. It’s sometimes goofy, sometimes aggressive, but their relationship conflict is always heartfelt and authentic.

Smith still exudes charisma and composure on screen, clearly in his element with this familiar role. Lawrence, on the other hand, is at his most unhinged, delivering some of the funniest moments in the film.

The action scenes are short and serviceable for most of the runtime, with the film focusing more on plot development. However, the turbo-charged final showdown between the cops and the criminals is when the bad boys really come out swinging. The editing is slick and gnarly, making the wait worth it.

The thrilling final showdown

In the end, Bad Boys: Ride or Die is a great summer action caper that delivers on its promise of thrills and laughs. It’s a textbook film of familiar characters delivering medium thrills in an easy-to-like case file.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Genre: Comedy Action

Starring: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Eric Dane, Jacob Scipio, Paola Núñez, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, and Joe Pantoliano

Directed by: Adil & Bilal

Now Playing at the Landmark Cinema, 221 Glendale Ave, St. Catharines