The continued franchise made me wonder how many slaps there would be. Enough for a killer ride? Bad Boys: Ride or Die feels a bit repetitive. Fortunately, the chemistry between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence is thrilling and humorous. Both are in their fifties now and still delivering non-stop action with some of the funniest lines of dialogue. It is hard to believe that the previous film, Bad Boys for Life, was one of the highest-grossing films of 2020 before the COVID lockdowns. This time the duo is back with dazzling stunts, witty humor, and all kinds of antics that go flying off the rails.

The film again takes place in Miami, Florida. Officers Mike Lowrey (Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Lawrence) are still in their cop and buddy vibe. They are under the assumption that their lives have found the peace they’ve been looking for. Then they receive evidence that their previous boss, Captain Conrad Howard (played by Joe Pantoliano), has been set up. With databases of falsehoods and fabricated theories, Lowrey and Burnett will not stop until they can find the truth. Their new boss, Captain Rita Secada (played by Paola Nunez), puts all her faith in Lowrey and Burnett. The enemy behind most of the dangerous operations is Banker (played by Eric Dane). The story is all about the curiosities behind who is working from within. Only this time the stakes are higher, the mission is obscure, and Lowrey and Burnett may have their lives on the line. Was Captain Conrad Howard a criminal? Was he involved in any other crimes? The faith and loyalty of Lowrey and Burnett fuel their search for redemption.

The elite team adds to the fun in this film. With Kelly (played by Vanessa Hudgens), Dorn (played by Alexander Ludwig), and Armando (played by Jacob Scipio), the teamwork is enthralling. If one goes down, they all go down. If one fights to dangerous heights, they all elevate their fight to that level. Can everyone be trusted? In Bad Boys: Ride or Die team dynamics are put to the test.

What lingered in my mind while watching this movie was Michael Bay who directed the first two films in the franchise. Even though he did not direct Bad Boys for Life, or the newest one, this film feels like Bay’s world of destruction. The technical factors keep growing in this franchise. There are drones, many monitors, and all kinds of accessories in Bad Boys: Ride or Die which showcases a classy use of modern technology. However, if Bay was still directing, I imagine the explosions and action being twice as gnarly as they are in this film. Directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah know when and how to display explosivity and stylized action. They don’t overdo it like Bay would.

The mission improves on many levels in this fourth installment. Smith and Lawrence deliver that classy attitude of being BAD BOYS! This franchise keeps finding new routes to create a memorable grandeur of cops and destruction for the masses. How much damage will there be? Find out in Bad Boys: Ride or Die. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.