Released in June 2024, « Bad Boys: Ride or Die » marks the fourth installment in the successful franchise that began in 1995. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence reprise their iconic roles as Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, the irreverent detectives from the Miami Police Department.
This new adventure, directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah (who previously helmed « Bad Boys for Life » in 2020), propels the duo into a particularly personal mission. When their former captain, Conrad Howard, is posthumously accused of corruption, Lowrey and Burnett find themselves forced to launch an unauthorized investigation to restore their mentor’s honor.
The film follows the formula that made the franchise successful: spectacular action sequences, comedic chemistry between the protagonists, and energetic direction that gives viewers little respite. High-speed chases through the streets of Miami and an impressive shootout on a luxury yacht are among the highlights of this big-budget production estimated at over $150 million.
While the chemistry between Smith and Lawrence undeniably remains the beating heart of the film, « Ride or Die » also introduces notable new characters, including FBI agent Victoria Shaw, played by Tiffany Haddish, who brings a refreshing dynamic to the historic duo.
With nearly $400 million in worldwide box office receipts, this fourth installment confirmed the franchise’s enduring popularity, nearly 30 years after its debut. Critics, though mixed regarding the originality of the script, generally praised the film’s energy and the performance of the lead actors who haven’t lost any of their legendary rapport.
« Bad Boys: Ride or Die » establishes itself as one of the most effective entertainments of summer 2024, proving that some franchises can span decades without losing their appeal.
