
Bad Boys Ride or Die Review: Does the Franchise Still Deliver the Heat?
Alright, I finally got around to watching Bad Boys: Ride or Die, and let me tell you—I’ve got some thoughts. If I had to sum it up in a sentence? The punches land, but the comedy doesn’t.
Plot Breakdown: Does the Fourth Entry Bring Anything New?
The fourth Bad Boys film brings back Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, Miami’s most chaotic detectives. This time, the story kicks off when their former Captain Howard (RIP Joe Pantoliano) gets framed for being dirty after his death. Of course, Mike and Marcus jump into action, trying to clear his name, but they soon find themselves tangled in a web involving corrupt cops and drug cartels. Sound familiar? Yeah, it should—it’s a bit like revisiting all the previous movies rolled into one.
There are some subplots, like Mike suddenly being married, which kind of comes out of nowhere, and Marcus dealing with his usual mid-life crisis. There’s even a bizarre heart attack scene involving Marcus, which is as strange as it sounds. But overall, it feels like the plot is just an excuse to set up action scenes. Don’t get me wrong, the action is fun, and there’s plenty of it—gunfights, car chases, and even a wild helicopter hijacking. But the story itself? Predictable. While the film maintains a high-energy vibe, the pacing falters in places, with some scenes dragging on long enough that I found myself checking the time towards the end.

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence Maintain Their Chemistry
Let’s be real—Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are the backbone of this Bad Boys franchise. But at this point, it’s like watching your favorite band play their greatest hits. The chemistry is still there, but the jokes don’t land as fresh as they did in the first film. Mike’s shift from smooth bachelor to suddenly married feels abrupt, with no real buildup to explain the change. Although his onset of panic attacks does hint at some character development, he has more to lose now that he is married. On the other hand, Marcus’ near-death experience shifts his character from cautious and worried to bizarrely carefree, as if convinced he’s invincible—quite the leap from his usual demeanor.
As for the supporting cast, Joe Pantoliano makes a return, though mainly in flashbacks. His role doesn’t carry the same weight as before. On the plus side, Vanessa Hudgens and Mike’s son (Jacob Scipio) are there for some added energy, but their roles are pretty one-dimensional. The real scene-stealer? Reggie, Marcus’s son-in-law. He’s part of a home invasion scene that’s genuinely funny and provides a much-needed break from all the explosions.

Visual Effects and Cinematography Drive the Film’s Action-Packed Scenes
When it comes to the action, the movie doesn’t disappoint. The directors, Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, know how to keep things visually engaging, with plenty of fast cuts, cool drone shots, and explosions galore. The cinematography helps maintain the high-energy vibe, and a few scenes—like a wild helicopter hijacking—are particularly memorable. It’s all very much in the vein of a video game, with the camera work making you feel like you’re right in the middle of the chaos.
However, there are moments where it feels like it’s trying a bit too hard to be frenetic, almost to the point of sensory overload. That said, if you’re coming for the flashy visuals and action scenes, you won’t be disappointed.

Predictable Dialogue and Recycled Jokes
Now, let’s talk about the dialogue. It’s serviceable but mostly rehashed from earlier films. Chris Bremner’s script delivers the familiar humor and banter we’ve come to expect, but there’s not much new here. While the back-and-forth between Mike and Marcus still brings a few laughs, it feels more like fan service than fresh writing. So if you’re hoping for sharp, witty dialogue, this probably isn’t the movie for you.
Comparison to Other Films
Compared to its predecessors, Bad Boys: Ride or Die doesn’t break any new ground. It feels more like a mashup of Bad Boys II and the later Fast & Furious movies—complete with explosions, fast cars, and over-the-top action. There’s even a Michael Bay cameo, which feels like a nod to the franchise’s roots.
When stacked against more recent action films, though, this one feels a bit stale. The story is predictable, and while the action delivers, it’s not enough to make it stand out in a crowded genre. You get the sense that the filmmakers are trying to keep the franchise alive, but after so many iterations, the formula is starting to wear thin.

Entertainment Value
Look, if you’re watching Bad Boys: Ride or Die, you’re probably not expecting deep storytelling or fresh character arcs. What you want are action-packed sequences, some laughs, and that trademark Will Smith and Martin Lawrence chemistry. On those fronts, the movie delivers, but it’s clear that the fourth film and franchise are running on fumes.
There are a few scenes that genuinely work—especially some of the more intense action moments—but for the most part, this is a Bad Boys movie that feels more like a rerun. Fun for fans, sure, but if you’re looking for something fresh, you might walk away disappointed. Overall, I’d give it a 3 out of 5. It’s a decent watch, but nothing to write home about.
You Might Also Like







