Will Smith’s Bad Boys: Ride or Die Review | The Ultimate Thrilling Sequel Friendship, Loyalty, and Action

The Bad Boys franchise, starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, has entertained fans for decades, since 1995. These films, which have become the foundation of buddy-cop genres, are known for their intense action, humorous conversations, and strong themes of unity. The formidable team of Marcus Burnett (Martin) and Mike Lowrey (Will) returns in Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024) for another thrilling journey.

This time the action is more intense, the stakes are higher, and the audience will definitely laugh themselves silly. The movie delves deeper into themes of friendship, devotion, and loyalty, elevating it above simple action-filled entertainment. It delivers the usual excitement that fans of the Bad Boys have come to expect along with some life lessons.

Once again Netflix has added a great movie to its library, you’ll definitely enjoy it but let’s have a detailed review of this action-packed movie.

Plot Overview

Our hilarious boys are going to discover a new journey of struggle with the increase in their age as can be seen in the opening scenes of the movie. After the introduction, the scene shifts to a life-turning moment for Detective Mike when he’s getting married to the love of his life Christine (Melanie Liburd), and during the celebrations, we come to see a rare turning point where Marcus has a cardiac arrest and he gets trapped in a hallucination where he meets their coach and late captain Conrad Howard (Joe Pantoliano) who whispers something in his ear.

One thing is very beautifully portrayed in the beginning that age is just a number, all you need is a young heart and sharp mind to truly enjoy the life.

What he spoke in his ear is a mystery in the beginning but later on, Marcus is certain about one thing this is not the time he will die. But the main thing even after a severe cardiac arrest why was he so certain and why was he blessed with this opportunity? Soon, he realizes that both detectives are going to face a lot of struggle to find the mole inside the company responsible for the late Captain Conrad’s death and who’s also using his name to move drugs and conduct illegal transactions in the United States of America.

Now their struggle leads them to the previously well-known villain of the movie Armando Aretas (Jacob Scipio) (son of Mike) who is in jail paying for his crimes but as soon they begin the investigation, things get really complicated and both of them are framed for killing officers and helping Armando to escape from the jail. The man who is trying to lure them into a trap is a new addition to this installment, James McGrath (Eric Dane) who’s responsible for all the mess the boys faced.

Later on, the ultimate team of two detectives and a criminal then go on a long and complex journey of clearing their names as well as their late captain. With the help of their only squad who’s loyal to them, they blend into stunning phases of action and thrill and wipe out every stain they had on their reputation.

Themes and Core Messages

One of the movie’s strongest aspects is its message about the power of friendship, loyalty, and dedication. Since Mike and Marcus have always supported one another, the movie dives further into how their friendship has thrived. The bond between the boys is at the center of the movie, despite the action and suspense that it contains.

Let’s have a brief look at some core messages we can learn from this great movie.

Friendship

From the very first installment of the Bad Boys Franchise, the boys have been partners for years, and their friendship only gets stronger with time. Even in the most difficult situations, they rely on one another despite their differences. Although their friendship is put to the test at several points in Ride or Die, it ultimately turns out to be unbreakable.

Dedication

Both of them take great pride in their work as police officers. They are willing to risk their lives to save others because they have a strong sense of duty. The plot is driven by this sense of dedication, which also keeps the viewer cheering for them. As can be seen from the main plot both boys were ready to put their lives at stake only to clear the name of their late captain while the whole department was against them.

Loyalty

A major theme running through the film is loyalty. True loyalty never falls in the face of danger, as both boys demonstrate when it comes to their commitment to one another, their families, and their purpose. Doesn’t matter what’s going on, they’re always loyal to each other, themselves, their company, and even their family.

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A great message about the Universal Blessings

There is a strong hint in the movie about the blessing of the universe, and how you communicate with it. The message Detective Marcus got in his hallucinations is a strong reference to the belief that the Universe always tries to communicate with you in different ways, all you need is a keen sense of understanding its ways and directions.

Marcus was so certain in his destiny that at one point after his recovery, he got straight on the top roof of the hospital and enjoyed the fresh air without any fear that he might fall. And he was so certain because Captian Conrad told him

“This is not your time“

And another great message is about self-trust and over-confidence. In the climax of the movie when both heroes are fighting the villains and their troops, Marcus suddenly falls into a trap of alligators and tries to get over smart with the belief that everything will be ok and alligator won’t harm him as this is not his time to die. But, that ferocious animal almost took his arm and then Mike saved his life.

Humor based scenes

The humor in the Bad Boys series is among its beloved elements. Because of their natural chemistry, the boys can make even the most difficult situations lighter with their humor. The humor of Ride or Die is still sharp and smart. The movie’s humor serves more purposes than just making you laugh, it also draws attention to Mike and Marcus’s differences and how those differences deepen their relationship.

One of the funniest scene is when Marcus says to Mike while escorting Armando on a plane

Mike, I wasn’t even gonna tell you this… but in one of our previous lifetimes together… You were a donkey, and I owned you…

This is one of the funniest line in the movie, although it is full of humorous and laughter scenes, but, this one really carries away the whole scene and that’s why Mike asks Marcus afterwards “are you still in nap?“

Action and cinematic brilliance

Without amazing action sequences, a Bad Boys film wouldn’t be complete, and Ride or Die doesn’t disappoint. The movie keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with everything from plane carsh to shootouts. Another highlight is how technology is used in the action scenes. The movie embraces the current day while retaining the grimy tone of the previous flicks, even with drones and futuristic weapons.

The fighting scenes are also executed with excellence. Mike being expert in hand to hand combat executes a lot of fighting scenes while Marcus offers support, frequently with funny outcomes.

Conclusion

Bad Boys: Ride or Die is a story of friendship, devotion, and commitment as much as it is an action-packed thrill journey. With Will Smith and Martin Lawrence at the front, the movie delivers on all fronts, from intense action to heartfelt moments that remind us why these characters are so beloved. Fans who have been following the franchise will not be disappointed after watching this movie, and new viewers will be enthralled with the dynamic duo’s exploits once more.