Bad Boys 4: Ride or Die – Explosive Action, Brotherhood, and a Franchise Reborn

Bad Boys: Ride or Die—also known as Bad Boys 4—roared into theaters in June 2024, bringing back the iconic duo of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence for another adrenaline-fueled ride through Miami’s criminal underworld. Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, this fourth installment in the Bad Boys franchise blends high-octane action, sharp humor, and emotional depth, proving that even after nearly three decades, Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett still have gas in the tank.

What Is Bad Boys 4 About?

In Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Miami detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) find themselves on the run after being framed for corruption. The twist? Their late captain, Conrad Howard, is posthumously accused of working with drug cartels. Determined to clear his name, the duo uncovers a deep-rooted conspiracy involving dirty cops, political cover-ups, and a ruthless ex-military villain named James McGrath (Eric Dane).

The plot thickens as Mike’s estranged son, Armando (Jacob Scipio), re-enters the picture—this time as an unlikely ally. With the help of their AMMO team (Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, and Paola Núñez), Mike and Marcus must dodge bounty hunters, survive helicopter crashes, and outwit a network of enemies to restore justice and protect their families.

Review: Why Bad Boys 4 Hits Hard

Bad Boys 4 is a wild, unapologetic celebration of everything fans love about the franchise—explosive action, hilarious banter, and the unbreakable bond between its leads. But it also adds a surprising layer of emotional maturity, exploring themes of aging, legacy, and redemption.

What Works:

• Will Smith and Martin Lawrence’s chemistry is as electric as ever. Their comedic timing and emotional beats elevate the film beyond standard action fare.
• The action sequences are inventive and intense—from a shootout in a crashing helicopter to a final showdown in an abandoned theme park.
• Han-style resurrection: Fan-favorite characters like Reggie (Dennis McDonald) return in unexpected ways, adding nostalgia and crowd-pleasing moments.
• Directorial flair: Adil & Bilall bring a kinetic, video-game-inspired visual style that keeps the energy high and the camera constantly moving.

What Doesn’t:

• The plot is predictable at times, relying on familiar tropes like corrupt officials and last-minute rescues.
• Some characters are underused, including Charlize Theron’s Cipher-like villainy in McGrath’s partner.
• The humor occasionally misfires, especially when leaning too hard into slapstick or outdated jokes.

⭐ Ratings and Audience Response

• IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score: 68%
• Audience Score: A record-breaking 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, the highest in the franchise’s history

Critics praised the film’s energy and performances, while audiences embraced its nostalgic charm and relentless entertainment value. It’s a rare fourth installment that not only holds up—but arguably improves on its predecessors