Bad Boys: Ride or Die’s 10 Biggest Takeaways

Bad Boys: Ride or Die is the fourth installment in the popular action comedy franchise, starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. The movie brings the boys together for a humor filled adventure from Miami. The early reviews of Bad Boys: Ride or Die have been extremely positive, with critics praising the humor and the chemistry of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. With a reported budget of $90 million, Bad Boys: Ride or Die have made a lot of overwhelming applause because of the director’s ability to balance emotional contents with the franchise’s iconic signature fun and action.

This movie is also a major theatrical release as it marks the onscreen presence of Will Smith after his hilarious and controversial encounter at the Oscars 2022. The movie is set to release on 7 June, 2024.

So here are 10 takeaways from Bad Boys: Ride or Die

10. Chemistry of Smith and Lawrence is winning hearts

The primary takeaway from the movie is the continued and dynamic chemistry of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Critics have continuously mentioned how both the actors have elevated the movie. Danny Leigh of the Financial Times remarks “Lawrence is still a raucous clown, happy to be seen with buttocks exposed to the ocean breeze. Settling back into their good-natured double act amid many nods to the first three movies, Smith remains the soulful smoothie.” Similarly, David Elrlich of IndieWire states, “Despite everything that’s crammed into this one, it’s still nothing without Mike and Marcus. And despite everything that Smith has been through since the previous installment, he and Lawrence will always be our bad boys.”

9. The humor of the movie is top notch

Many reviews of the movie commented that the movie has sharp and hilarious humor, a staple of the franchise. The series’ trademark style to blend humor with action is commendable. Dom Sinacola of Paste Magazine claimed the movie to be a “genuine crowd-pleaser”. He then went on to highlight the captivation, funny, and intense nature of the film. However, despite the positive criticisms, Allison Rose of FlickDirect observed that the movie may not be very appealing to some fans. Rose has pointed out that the humor may alienate the fans who liked the action packed movies of the franchise. 

8. Don’t expect a great plot

The movie is not designed to challenge viewers with a complex storyline. However, the humor of the movie makes up for the nonsensical plot. Critics have appreciated the movie’s silly nature and praised the flashy style. Mae Abdulbaki of Screen Rant has mentioned that the film isn’t about action and adventure; it also has a heart and style. She notes that Smith and Lawrence’s chemistry remains a cornerstone of the series.

7. Action and adventure filled scenes

Apart from the humor, Bad Boys: Ride or Die boasts action sequences that rank among the franchise’s exhilarating moments. Critics have praised the movie’s ability to deliver the perfect balance of comedy and action. Katie Smith-Wong of Flick Feat describes that Lawrence and Smith have never been better in any other roles and their chemistry is “ridiculously entertaining.” Jonathan Sim of ComingSoon.net adds that the film is an action-packed sequel that seamlessly blends a new style with the classic explosive action of the originals.

6. Corny and outrageous nature

Critics who have scrutinized the movie often pointed out its formulaic and nonsensical elements. However, many understood the franchise’s track and were satisfied with the outcome. Many people have remarked that the film delivers exactly what it needs to deliver. It is a perfect blend of corny, ridiculous, but extremely fun plot which is also filled with a lot of action sequences. 

5. Easy and fun watch

While Bad Boys: Ride or Die might not keep viewers guessing the plot twists, but the unpredictable punchlines will make you laugh very hard. It delivers on what you hope for with the series. A hilarious Will and Martin along with fun, over the top action makes the movie worth watching. Tim Robey of the Daily Telegraph adds that the film maintains a refreshing level of loose-cannon silliness, even though Smith often plays the straight man to Lawrence’s antics. He notes that even though Lawrence is not typically known for his comic timing delivers the best punchlines.

4. The Will Smith controversy 

Will Smith was named amongst the most controversial people after his encounter at Oscars 2022. After two years, Bad boys: Ride or Die” demonstrates that Will Smith still retains all the aura and charisma that he held before his controversial Oscars night in 2022. Critics have pointed that Smith proves once again that he neither ages nor slaps and not even a controversial night at prestigious Oscars can diminish his spark and on-screen persona.

3. The perfect summer movie

Set in Miami, the film kicks off the summer 2024 movie season perfectly. Critics have described it as “nothing short of magnificent” in the context of summer movies. Nell Minow of Movie Mom adds, “ You’re going to go see this silly summer movie because it has Will Smith, Martin Lawrece, a lot of winks and in-jokes, and some eye-popping chases and explosions.” The timings of the movie release also is very ideal for the vibe of the movie. 

2. Unique and entertaining set pieces

Based on the critics, it is clear that the franchise remains true to its identity and continues to meet fan expectations. It may not be a movie that would definitely go to the Oscars but it is a movie that is better off for embracing the fun. Clarisse Loughrey of the Independent observes that the film has taken cues from the Fast and Furious franchise to demonstrate dumb and loud themes with right enthusiasm.

1. The best installment after 1995

Some critics have highlighted that the sheer fun and quality of Bad Boys: Ride or Die has more impact and power than any other movies of the franchise. The directors have honed a winning formula. The best film since 1995 original, according to several critics, is the new release of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. 

It is a fun, action packed entry in the franchise that stays to the roots while delivering the humor and thrills fans expect. The success lies in the chemistry of the stars, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Fans of the franchise will likely enjoy the movie.