by Cain Noble-Davies
Worth: $16.00
FilmInk rates movies out of $20 — the score indicates the amount we believe a ticket to the movie to be worth
Cast:
Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens, Jacob Scipio, Ioan Gruffudd, Tiffany Haddish, DJ Khaled, Joe Pantoliano
Intro:
… an action flick that balances frenetic carnage with moments of surreality and even serenity.
Bad Boys For Life blindsided a lot of us when it first came out. Between its Bayhem franchise origins and its unfortunate theatrical timing just before the industry went through its corona shake-up, no one expected anything from it. That it managed to reinvigorate both its lead stars and its action niche was almost an afterthought considering how this series about emotionally-stunted cops was starting to show maturity and even spirituality… and still made it work alongside the goofiness. And after a brief return home with Rebel (and getting screwed around with by Warner Bros. over the still-unreleased Batgirl), directors Adil & Bilall have returned to show that For Life was no fluke.
Some of the depth previously shown in For Life’s ‘justice vs. vengeance’ thematic textures is noticeably lessened here, but right from the opening, with Marcus’ near-death experience, it’s clear that there’s still divine intervention to spare. It continues with the redemptive mood of the previous film, both in the return of Jacob Scipio as Mike’s son Armando and flipping one of Bad Boys II’s more egregious moments to give Reggie a much-deserved MVP moment (twice!). It even has a light extranormal flavour to it with Mike and Marcus almost-literally communing with the dead in order to get to the bottom of a corrupted police force, along with Marcus having a ‘Stavromulra Beta’ moment that gives him a new lease on life.
But ultimately, it’s not about the soul, it’s about the body, and hoo boy, does this make for a visceral cinematic ride. Adil & Bilall, along with DP Robrecht Heyvaert and second unit director Greg Rementer, go all in with the Michael Bay worship here, applying the trademark dynamic excess to the frame but without making it blur everything together into a mush of ‘action’. Time is given to breathe between the more intense moments, so that the ever-moving camera (right down to Ambulance-inspired drone shots) and a frenzied, excitable energy throughout lets the moments that need to stick out, stick out. Whether it’s a one-on-one struggle in an elevator, wrestling with one of Florida’s famous amphibious residents, or any of the hard-as-a-wombat’s-arse shootouts, there’s fun to be had from end to end.
The cast overall has a more collaborative feel, with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence still making their mark as an iconic buddy cop duo, while giving everyone else their chance to shine as well. Between the plot-convenience medical issues that Mike and Marcus have to deal with, and their families getting their own chances in the spotlight, there’s something of an indication that this is aiming towards a full franchise ‘the next generation will take over’ moment. The foundation for a well-earned passing of the torch is definitely in place, but even if Smith and Lawrence intend to stick around, it’s clear that their rapport and chemistry hasn’t dulled in nearly-three-decades since shit first got real. They can still make arguing over Skittles into highly entertaining material (take notes, Shazam! Fury of the Gods).
Bad Boys: Ride Or Die continues the growth and maturation present in the previous installment, while doubling down on its stylistic beginnings to deliver an action flick that balances frenetic carnage with moments of surreality and even serenity. The story isn’t going to blow anyone’s socks off, and the writing overall isn’t quite as impressive as before (although a returning Chris Bremner and detective-turned-screenwriter Will Beall certainly put the effort in), but the visual presentation and consistently funny gags more than make up for that. Whatcha gonna do? Hopefully, check this beauty out.
