Bad Boys: Ride or Die

Bad Boys: Ride or Die 

Bad Boys: Ride or Die is the highly anticipated fourth installment in the legendary Bad Boys series. Directed by Adil & Bilall and featuring the iconic duo of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, this action-packed comedy continues the thrilling adventures of Miami detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. Released on June 7, 2024, following a premiere at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, the film has already made a significant impact at the box office, grossing over $395 million worldwide. This comprehensive guide delves into every aspect of Bad Boys: Ride or Die, from its plot and production to its reception and future potential.

Trailer

Plot Overview

Bad Boys: Ride or Die picks up four years after the death of Isabel Aretas, with Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) now married to his physical therapist, Christine. During their wedding reception, Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) suffers a mild heart attack and lapses into a coma. In his vision, the late Captain Conrad Howard reassures him that it’s not his time yet.

Upon waking, Marcus is convinced he cannot die. However, a news report reveals that Captain Howard has been accused of corruption linked to drug cartels. Determined to clear Howard's name, Mike and Marcus team up with Captain Rita Secada and mayoral candidate Adam Lockwood. Their investigation leads them to Mike's son, Armando Aretas, an incarcerated cartel assassin, who reveals that Howard was close to exposing corruption.

As Mike and Marcus delve deeper, they uncover a series of video clues and face numerous challenges. They must contend with assassins, betrayal, and a complex conspiracy involving James McGrath, a former Army Ranger turned DEA agent. The stakes escalate as they race against time to rescue loved ones, expose the truth, and bring justice to Captain Howard’s name.

Production Details

Development: The development of Bad Boys: Ride or Die was initially put on hold due to the 2022 Academy Awards incident involving Will Smith. Despite this, the project continued with Chris Bremner returning as the writer. The film's pre-production resumed in 2023, with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence reprising their roles, and Adil & Bilall returning to direct.

Filming: Principal photography began on April 3, 2023, in Atlanta and Miami. Filming faced a suspension in July due to the SAG-AFTRA strike but resumed and wrapped up by March 4, 2024. Behind-the-scenes clips and updates on social media kept fans excited about the film's progress.

Post-production: Editors Asaf Eisenberg and Dan Lebental worked on the film, with Lorne Balfe returning to compose the score. The soundtrack, featuring artists like Black Eyed Peas and El Alfa, was released alongside the film.

Marketing: The film’s marketing campaign included trailers featuring notable figures like Jimmy Butler and Lionel Messi. Promotional events and social media teasers generated significant buzz leading up to the release.

Box Office Performance

Bad Boys: Ride or Die debuted to a strong opening weekend, grossing $56.5 million. The film topped the box office and achieved significant international success, grossing $395.6 million worldwide. It has become the tenth-highest-grossing film of 2024, surpassing expectations and demonstrating the continued popularity of the franchise.

Critical Reception

The film received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 65% approval rating, with an average score of 5.9/10. Metacritic’s score of 54 out of 100 reflects mixed or average reviews. Despite these scores, audiences gave the film an “A–” rating, indicating general approval.

Critics praised the chemistry between Smith and Lawrence, but some found the plot to be less compelling than previous installments. The BBC described the film as fun but criticized its plot and internal logic.

Cast and Characters

• Will Smith as Detective Lt. Michael Eugene "Mike" Lowrey
• Martin Lawrence as Detective Lt. Marcus Miles Burnett
• Vanessa Hudgens as Kelly, AMMO’s weapons expert
• Alexander Ludwig as Dorn, AMMO’s tech expert
• Paola Núñez as Captain Rita Secada
• Eric Dane as James McGrath, the main antagonist
• Ioan Gruffudd as Adam Lockwood, mayoral candidate
• Jacob Scipio as Armando Aretas
• Melanie Liburd as Christine Lowrey, Mike’s wife
• Tasha Smith as Theresa Burnett
• Joe Pantoliano as Captain Conrad Howard

Music and Soundtrack

The film’s soundtrack, released by Epic Records, features tracks from Black Eyed Peas, El Alfa, Becky G, Sean Paul, Flo Milli, and others. The music complements the film’s energetic and action-filled scenes.

Future of the Franchise

Following the release of Bad Boys: Ride or Die, discussions about a potential fifth installment have begun. Both Will Smith and Martin Lawrence have expressed interest in returning, depending on the story and fan demand. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has hinted at future discussions once the film’s performance is fully assessed.

Conclusion

Bad Boys: Ride or Die continues the beloved franchise’s legacy with its high-octane action and comedic elements. While the film has faced some critical scrutiny, its commercial success and fan approval highlight its impact. As discussions for a fifth installment begin, fans can look forward to more thrilling adventures from Mike and Marcus.