Bad Boys: Ride Or Die

Synopsis: Miami PD’s best buddies-detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) must get to the bottom of a conspiracy that implicates someone they deeply respected. The duo’s still got speed, strength, and occasional insanity, even if age is no longer on their side.

Review: There was a time when buddy cop comedies were a thing. Films evolve and time flies but Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah show how the theme can still be relevant if made well. With true-crime, cerebral sci-fi, biopics and long drawn series occupying our screen time of late, a nonsensical but supremely entertaining action comedy feels like a welcome detox.

The fourth instalment in the Bad Boys franchise is a refreshing resurgence of the 90’s cult cop comedy genre. The film also marks Will Smith’s solid comeback as the likeable Will Smith we’ve always known before the controversial slapgate. This is he returning to top form, exuding that quintessential movie star energy and Smith brand of humour and humanity. The incredible Martin Lawrence not only complements Smith in his mad antics but ignites the madness and chemistry between the two. Only he could have pulled off the racial humour without making it offensive. Their near-perfect comic timing is a delight to watch and the bad jokes never get tiring. The story cleverly weaves fast action into the hilarious and heartfelt banter between the two warring friends, making this a light-hearted roller-coaster. The ageing heroes fight their high blood pressure and sugar along with the bad guys.

At no point does the film get soppy even as the story brings out the emotional side of these characters. Action scenes add to the thrill and excitement, and humour feels relevant, especially as it shows the 50-something lead detectives battling age-related issues. Refreshing to see actors owning their age on screen and characters, their physical limitations.

An ode to male friendship and brotherhood, Bad Boys: Ride or Die embodies Sex and the city’s most celebrated line from a male perspective. “Maybe our bros are our soulmates and wives are just people to have fun with?” This is by far one of the most entertaining films of the year. Watch it!