“Bad Boys 4” Review: Huge Fun for Action Fans – with a Minor Flaw
Andreas Rivera
June 6, 2024 1:42 pm
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4 min read
On June 5, 2024, we can look forward to “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” the fourth film in the action series starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.
“Bad Boys, Bad Boys. What you gonna do? What you gonna do, when they come for you?” The two tough guys Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are back for their fourth movie. “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” shows them once again on a dangerous mission on the streets of Miami. This time, they face very personal problems and become the hunted themselves. On June 5, 2024, the fourth installment of the “Bad Boys” action series, which began in the 1990s, finally hits theaters. Behind the camera, the duo of Adil el Arbi and Bilall Fallah directed this latest release after “Bad Boys for Life.” What it’s about and whether it’s worth a movie ticket can be found in this spoiler-free review.
Plot Summary: Cops Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) have been through thick and thin. After having to take down Mike’s own son Armando (Jacob Scipio) in their last case, they are now leading a newly established team. Their next case is a matter of honor: their deceased colleague Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano) is accused of corruption. For the Bad Boys, it’s clear they must find the real culprit before their friend’s name is dragged through the mud. But their opponent is more cunning than they thought – before they know it, the Bad Boys themselves are in trouble, and a large bounty is placed on their heads. Who can they still trust?
If you’re still debating whether it’s worth going to the theater, perhaps our spoiler-free assessments of the latest action flick will help.
Philipp: Good Action Popcorn Cinema Without Lengths
Considering the “revival” of a 90s action classic, one could quickly get anxious, as we’ve often seen reboots damage an entire franchise. Fortunately, with the “Bad Boys,” it’s a different story so far. This could mainly be because parts 3 and now part 4 don’t aim to be more than the first two films were: good action popcorn cinema, not overloaded, not overwhelming, and a lot of fun. And above all, short and sweet. “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” knows how to use its relatively short runtime of under 120 minutes well, gets to the point quickly, and handles its admittedly unsurprising plot without dragging. Although many characters in the film, especially the new supervillain, remain rather bland, it is – as expected – Will Smith and Martin Lawrence who work especially well as a duo. I must admit that in solo scenes, the latter particularly shines, showcasing his humor.
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Teresa: “Bad Boys” Set to Compete with “Fast & Furious”
Admittedly, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” was not on my list of highly anticipated releases for 2024 at the beginning of the year, yet I’m glad to have experienced it on the big screen. The film is particularly carried by the dynamic of its two protagonists, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, who once again understand how to support and tease each other in all situations. The villain and his henchmen remain rather bland, but the film scores with a few guest appearances that elicit some laughs from the audience. The film knows it can’t impress with the most eloquent story, so it relies on its characters. Besides Marcus and Mike, it’s mainly their children who get to shine in this installment. As the action scenes continue to impress, the audience can’t help but wonder if the “Bad Boys” films aim to compete with the “Fast & Furious” family in the future. One particular scene, which feels like a video game sequence, hasn’t been seen on the big screen in recent times. And if Will Smith and Martin Lawrence ever want to hang up their guns, the next generation is already ready to continue the “Bad Boys” era. Either way, anyone looking to escape the stress of everyday life and all its associated worries for two hours with a movie visit will find “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” a good distraction. Recommendation: A (malt) beverage of your choice, a bucket of popcorn on your lap, and you’ll get good action entertainment that wants to be nothing more and nothing less than that.
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