What’s It About
Bad Boys: Ride or Die centers on hard-boiled Miami detectives Mike Lowery and Marcus Burnett, who take on dangerous drug kingpins and thwart dangerous schemes as they attempt to stop the circulation of illicit drugs in their city.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
“Bad Boys: Ride or Die” is the best in the series, nailing everything. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are back as the fantastic duo Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. The series, which started in 1995 when Smith and Lawrence were mainly known for their TV roles, has grown over 29 years. Even though they’re not as young anymore, their on-screen chemistry is still fire. The script and cinematography are solid, but the genuine friendship between Smith and Lawrence steals the show, outshining the predictable plot. Their bond makes the movie super engaging, even as other summer hits fall flat. Smith and Lawrence clearly love their roles and working together. Marcus is happily married, putting up with Mike’s wild side, while Mike shows signs of maturing and is ready to settle down. However, Mike’s past isn’t entirely behind him. In the last movie, “Bad Boys for Life,” we learn Mike has a grown son, Armando Aretas (Jacob Scipio), who wants to kill him. Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano) grieves them for making too much noise. “Ride or Die” brings in new cops: Kelly (Vanessa Hudgens), Dorn (Alexander Ludwig), and Lt. Rita Secada (Paula Núñez) as the new Miami PD captain. Tasha Smith takes over as Marcus’s wife, Theresa. Mike’s marriage to Christine (Melanie Liburd) shows his newfound maturity. At the same time, Marcus goes through a significant change, becoming more carefree and reckless. This change creates a new dynamic between the partners, with Marcus loosening up and Mike being more cautious. That intelligent move changed up Mike and Marcus’s dynamics, though sometimes it felt forced. Some scenes, like Marcus’s over-the-top stories about their past, took away from the movie’s impact. Despite this, the chemistry between Smith and Lawrence shines when they face challenges together, especially when it involves protecting their families and a friend’s legacy. “Ride or Die” delivers the action-packed scenes fans love, with Mike and Marcus going all out to catch the villain, James McGrath (Eric Dane). Reggie (Dennis McDonald) goes from a scared kid to a valuable team member, and exciting cameos add to the fun. “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” doesn’t try to be original but gives a satisfying experience. Sometimes, you just want to see the good guys chase the bad guys and win. The film delivers on that, highlighting the star power of Smith and Lawrence. Smith’s charisma and Lawrence’s range show why they’re top entertainers. This film captures the essence of summer movies, bringing entertainment and fun. The last movie, “Bad Boys for Life,” had Marcus trying to retire from the Miami PD but realizing he’s stuck with Mike for life. This dynamic, with Marcus trying to calm Mike’s violent side, continues in “Ride or Die,” now with more family responsibilities and lingering PTSD from past events. Mike’s recent marriage and complicated relationship with his estranged son, Armando, cause frequent panic attacks. Meanwhile, Marcus’s near-death experience reaffirms his bond with Mike and his sense of invincibility. Unlike the previous films, “Ride or Die” explores how these characters survive their dangerous lives. With its action-packed scenes and electric atmosphere, this installment is an excellent end to the series while leaving room for potential future stories. If another film comes out, fans will be excited to see it.
OUR RATING – A SERIES DEFINING 8
MEDIA
- Genre – Action
- Street date
- Digital – July 23, 2024, 2024
- 4K/Blu-Ray/DVD – September 27, 2024
- Video – 1080p
- Screen size – 2.39:1
- Sound – English Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 compatible), English French, Spanish 5.1 DTS-HD MA, English & French Audio Description Tracks 5.1 Dolby Digital
- Subtitles – English, English SDH, Spanish, French
Extras
- Outtakes & Bloopers
- Deleted Scenes
- Also includes:
- Will & Martin Chemistry, Legacy & Laughs
- The Bruckheimer Legacy: Crafting Bad Boys & Beyond
- Fights, Camera, Action
- Partners in Crime
- DVD Exclusive Bonus Features:
- Will & Martin Chemistry, Legacy & Laughs
- The Bruckheimer Legacy: Crafting Bad Boys & Beyond
- Fights, Camera, Action
- Partners in Crime
- PLUS AN ALL-NEW POST CREDIT SCENE