When Bad Boys for Life hit screens in early 2020, just before the pandemic closed cinemas worldwide, it brought back the Miami police officers played by Will Smith and Martin Lawrence for an enjoyably adventurous ride. Following its success, a fourth film, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, arrives, directed again by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah. Unfortunately, this installment lacks the same exuberance, despite featuring several impressive action sequences.
The plot revolves around corruption within the Miami PD, as the late Captain Conrad (Joe Pantoliano) is posthumously accused of feeding information to Florida drug cartels. Smith’s Detective Lieutenant “Mike” Lowrey and Lawrence’s Detective Lieutenant Marcus Burnett aim to clear Conrad’s name. However, a setup forces them into the life of fugitives, with a $5 million bounty on their heads. They team up with Mike’s criminal son Armando (Jacob Scipio) to uncover the truth.
Smith, returning as Lowrey in only his second movie role since the 2022 Oscars incident, comfortably slips back into character. Lawrence, on the other hand, often appears to be overacting, particularly in a slow-motion sequence where he attempts to catch jelly beans in his mouth during a shoot-out. Most of the comedy moments fall flat, including an encounter with rural racists.
Directors Adil and Bilall still excel at crafting action sequences. An early fight in a prison yard, where Armando uses barbells and weights as weapons, is especially wince-inducing. Another standout moment occurs in the back of a van set on fire, and a thrilling aerial sequence features a helicopter spiraling out of control. However, these highlights are not enough to compensate for the mundane plot.
Supporting cast members Vanessa Hudgens, Tiffany Haddish, and Paola Núñez are underutilized, their roles burdened by a script with clunky dialogue. A particularly cringe-worthy line comes from Rhea Seehorn’s US marshal: “Right now, the whole world is my jurisdiction.”
The film even ventures into schlock horror territory, further undermining the audience’s intelligence. Ultimately, Bad Boys: Ride or Die fails to leave a lasting impression. The film’s lackluster plot and missed comedic beats make it a forgettable addition to the franchise. Despite its action-packed sequences, this installment does not live up to the legacy of Bad Boys for Life.
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