In Bad Boys – Ride or Die, set four years after the previous installment, Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) marries his physical therapist, Christine (Melanie Liburd). During the celebration, Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence), his best friend and partner, suffers a heart attack and falls into a coma. Upon awakening, Marcus is convinced of his invincibility. Soon after, a news report surfaces, linking Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano) to drug cartel corruption. Mike and Marcus embark on a mission to clear his name, a task that proves more challenging and perilous than anticipated. With enemies and potential betrayers at every turn, the question becomes: who can they trust?
The original Bad Boys debuted nearly 30 years ago, with its first sequel following 21 years later. After a considerable hiatus, a third film was released in 2020, just prior to the pandemic. Its success paved the way for this fourth installment. I appreciated Bad Boys For Life for its effective blend of action, humor, and surprisingly nuanced character development.
I approached Bad Boys: Ride or Die with tempered expectations. Initially, the opening scene, prominently featured in the trailers, felt like a misstep due to its peculiar editing, awkward camera angles, and overly frivolous humor. However, following Marcus’s heart attack, the film coalesces and becomes genuinely engaging. The film boasts several inventive action sequences, and surprisingly, I found myself enjoying Martin Lawrence’s performance, despite past reservations.
Will Smith delivers a performance that acknowledges his character’s age, a refreshing departure from his perpetually youthful portrayals. The supporting team from the previous film returns, and a character initially presented as a comedic element in Bad Boys II finds a satisfying and impactful role in this film.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die, while not flawless, provides consistent entertainment and elicited genuine laughter on a couple of occasions.
A notable drawback is the film’s reliance on familiar tropes in its conclusion, leading to a somewhat predictable resolution. Opportunities to capitalize on previously established plot elements were missed, resulting in a safe, albeit less impactful, ending.
The UHD edition of Bad Boys: Ride or Die features a visually impressive 2160p image, sourced directly from the original 4K format. Enhanced by Dolby Vision, the colors are exceptionally vibrant, showcasing Miami in stunning detail. The Dolby Atmos sound design is immersive, particularly during the climactic battle, with expertly balanced audio between dialogue and action. The disc also includes a wealth of supplementary material, offering both entertainment and informative insights.
In conclusion, Bad Boys: Ride or Die offers an enjoyable viewing experience, enhanced by a visually striking UHD presentation, making it a worthwhile recommendation. Had the film taken greater risks in its final act, it could have achieved an even higher rating. Given its strong box office performance, a fifth installment seems plausible.
SF Studios provided review copies for this evaluation. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence. Our reviews are conducted independently, prioritizing the interests of our readers and consumers.
