“Bad Boys: Ride or Die” arrives about four and a half years after the third installment, “Bad Boys For Life”, which came out in January 2020. It was the biggest movie of that year because of the COVID pandemic. And it’s also been a little over two years since Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on live TV at the Academy Awards.
Smith and Martin Lawrence return as Mike and Marcus, the detective lieutenants of the Miami PD. Their captain, who died, is now being accused of corruption and working with the drug cartel. They have to figure out what’s going on.
I liked the last “Bad Boys” film… it was pretty fun. “Bad Boys II” opened 17 years earlier, so I think Smith and Lawrence felt a responsibility to give the fans something terrific. It’s unfortunate that the humor in “Ride or Die” doesn’t work AT ALL. I didn’t laugh once or really enjoy myself. Now, this isn’t a *terrible* film, largely thanks to the action scenes. They’re intense and solid. A little long and extravagant but memorable and easily the best aspect of the film.
There’s just too much going on — too many characters and story developments to keep track of, including subplots involving Marcus’ obsession with death, Mike’s son Armando (played by Jacob Scipio), the emotions of Judy (Rhea Seehorn), a romance between Kelly and Dom (Vanessa Hudgens and Alexander Ludwig). And there’s many more — Tiffany Haddish and a few other big names make brief appearances. There are a couple backstories involving Eric Dane’s villain character.
What’s most disappointing is that there’s no chemistry between Smith and Lawrence this time. They’re simply going through the motions, picking up large paychecks. If they, and directors Adil and Bilall (whose “Batgirl” movie deserves to be released), come back for a “Bad Boys 5”, here’s hoping it rises above an average experience.
LCJ GRADE: C
Running Time: 115 min.