Review: ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ takes a wrong turn

Police officers are not the most popular public servants at the moment as scrutiny around excessive force and racism intensifies. But they’re still the heroes in movies, where they can play loose with the rules as long as it’s for the right reasons. The buddy cop film has been a staple for decades with memorable pairings, such as Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, and Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte. They approach their jobs very differently, but it’s their dissimilarities that creates a narrative balance. In Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Miami’s finest returns to save a friend’s reputation and put an end to a decade of corruption.

Permanent bachelor Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) is finally off the market and trying to make amends for the time he missed with his son, Armando (Jacob Scipio). Meanwhile, Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) is contemplating turning in his badge, once and for all. But when evidence emerges revealing their friend and former captain (Joe Pantoliano) was working with the cartels, his best detectives refuse to accept it and set out to find the truth. Their investigation leads to an elite operation of police corruption, cartel connections and extensive resources that will eliminate anyone that threatens to derail their plans.

In the 1980s, we had Murtaugh and Riggs, and the Lethal Weapon franchise. As they outgrew their roles, the ‘90s gave us Bad Boys. Though there are clear differences, there are also obvious parallels between the narratives. For instance, one is a family man, while the other is wild and reckless, but eventually settles down. One is always on the brink of retirement, while the other is a cop for life. This contrasting relationship is key to the movies’ success. However, in this fourth installment, Mike loses his nerve and becomes the more fragile partner, ruining the dynamic and watering down what were typically thrilling action scenes. Luckily, Reggie (Dennis Greene) is due, and he’s ready to step up and earn some respect.

The banter between the two stars still flows naturally, breaking the frequent life-or-death tension with smirks or all-out laughter. Similarly, the action sequences are filled with death-defying stunts that occur everywhere from thousands of feet in the air to alligator-infested waters. But there is a sense the movie is trying a little too hard to capture a bygone era that these leading men have outgrown. The script is trying to age with them, but that’s never been the franchise’s appeal. Instead, Armando’s positioning as a skilled fighter brings the intensity to hand-to-hand battles that his counterparts lack.

Nonetheless, Lawrence’s over-the-top, spiritual awakening keeps the dialogue lively. Each time he says, “I wasn’t going to tell you this, but…”, audiences can prepare for a ridiculous confession of a past life designed to lighten the mood. Conversely, Smith appears to have lost his edge, allowing Lawrence to carry many of the scenes — a task of which he’s very capable, but is not in the franchise’s spirit.

Directors: Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah
Starring: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence and Vanessa Hudgens