It’s my belief that Bad Boys is the spiritual inspiration for what the latter Fast and Furious movies have become. These Michael Bay movies set a bombastic precedent for how silly, loud and tongue-in-cheek entertaining this genre can be. The first two movies make no apologies for the sheer style over substance they provide. Now, 17 years after Bad Boys 2, the boys are back and, this time, without director Michael Bay.
Marcus Burnett (Will Smith) and Mike Lowrey (Martin Lawrence) have been partners for a long time. They’ve reached an impasse where Mike is strongly considering retirement, whereas Marcus will never say die. Though, the past has found a way to haunt these two and puts them right back in the center of the explosive Miami action.
If I asked fans what the plots were from the past two movies, I’m assuming I’d get blank faces that eventually say “…drugs…trafficking?” Chances are, they’re probably right. I say this only to affirm that the plots in Bad Boys have never been what brings fans back. Instead of the story, fans would most likely bring up the highly-stylized car chase or the shoot-out in the Haitian gang house from Bad Boys 2.
The absence of Michael Bay is felt in one aspect. The budget is considerably smaller than the previous movie and there aren’t as many action set pieces. However, that doesn’t stop cars from exploding when hit by a few bullets. Directors Adil and Bilall are worthy successors and sufficient enough at copying Bay’s homework to keep it tonally consistent with the other fan favorite flicks.
Where the action was bonkers previously, this movie translates that insanity into the plot. Some of the decisions and reveals are shocking, while others are laughable. Thankfully, the characters provide a bit of meta-commentary and are laughing along with the viewer.
There are two primary reasons why audiences have been wanting a Bad Boys 3 for 17 years now. It all comes down to Martin Lawrence and Will Smith. The chemistry these two share is worth the price of admission. And while the theme of Bad Boys For Life is more about coping with age, they both haven’t missed a beat and the writing keeps their characters consistent with who they’ve always been – best friends that constantly bicker. These two have magic that elevates the forgettable flicks they’re in, a full letter grade.
The audience I saw Bad Boys for life with was going ballistic over the jokes and action and it’s clear that it was made to please long-time fans. It delivers exactly what it promises. The action isn’t as glorious (or gluttonous) as the second movie, but you won’t ever find yourself bored. The third act is absolutely ridiculous, but somehow fitting for a Bad Boys movie. Not a bad movie for January. B-
Comments are closed.