Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” the fourth film in Sony’s action-packed franchise starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, had its first public screenings on Wednesday night, creating a buzz on social media. Fans were treated to a special surprise at a screening at AMC The Grove 14 in Los Angeles, where Smith and Lawrence made an unexpected appearance, much to the delight of the audience. Similar screenings took place in cities across the United States, including Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
The film’s plot centers on corruption within the Miami Police Department. Captain Conrad Howard (played by Joe Pantoliano) faces allegations of long-term collaboration with drug cartels. Detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) find themselves compelled to clear Howard’s name. However, their quest for justice turns them into outlaws, leading to a thrilling series of events that promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” the fourth film in Sony’s action-packed franchise starring
“Bad Boys: Ride or Die” boasts an impressive cast alongside Smith and Lawrence. Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Núñez, Eric Dane, and Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd join the ensemble, adding new dynamics to the story. Franchise regulars Joe Pantoliano and John Salley (reprising his role as Fletcher) also return, ensuring a blend of fresh faces and familiar favorites.
Directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, who previously helmed “Bad Boys for Life,” bring their unique vision and expertise to this latest installment. The Belgian duo is well-known for their dynamic filmmaking style, which promises to deliver both high-octane action and emotional depth. Notably, they faced a significant setback in 2022 when Warner Bros. Discovery shelved their $90 million Batgirl project. Fans are eager to see how their creative talents translate to the latest chapter of the “Bad Boys” saga.
As the release date of June 7 approaches, early reactions from fans and critics who attended the initial screenings are pouring in. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the film for its blend of action, humor, and heartfelt moments.
Film and TV critic Bill Bria took to social media to express his enthusiasm, calling “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” a “total blast.” He commended the directors for maintaining the series’ emotional core without sacrificing its trademark fun and excitement. Bria highlighted the performances of Smith and Lawrence, noting that both actors brought their A-game to the film. He also praised the supporting cast, specifically mentioning the character Reggie, and the film’s spectacular action sequences.
In a follow-up post, Bria continued to sing the praises of directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah. He marveled at their ability to execute “fantastic, glorious, absolutely wild shots,” suggesting that they may have drawn inspiration from the film “Ambulance” for their innovative use of drone technology. Bria lamented the fact that audiences would not get to see the duo’s work on the canceled Batgirl project, calling it a “crime.”
Brandon Davis of ComicBook.com echoed these sentiments, describing “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” as “phenomenal.” Davis praised the film’s innovative action scenes and highlighted the strong chemistry between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. He emphasized that the movie provided “the best time [he’s] had at the movies in a while,” indicating that the film succeeded in delivering an enjoyable and entertaining experience.
The early reactions suggest that “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” will be a worthy addition to the beloved franchise. Fans can look forward to a film that balances high-stakes action with the humor and camaraderie that have become the hallmarks of the series. With a talented cast, experienced directors, and an engaging storyline, the film promises to be a must-watch event this summer.
As anticipation builds, audiences eagerly await the full critics’ reviews, which are set to be released closer to the film’s premiere. Until then, the positive early reactions offer a promising glimpse into what fans can expect from “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer, this film is poised to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Mark your calendars for June 7, when “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” hits theaters. It’s time to ride along with Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett once again, as they navigate the treacherous waters of corruption and redemption in their signature style.
That’s a sentiment that many fans and critics are sharing about “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” the highly anticipated fourth film in the iconic Bad Boys franchise. Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, this new installment continues the thrilling and comedic journey of detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence). The film follows the duo as they dive into a web of corruption within the Miami Police Department, leading them to become outlaws in their quest for justice.
Owen Danoff from ScreenRant has added his voice to the chorus of praise, describing “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” as possibly the funniest entry in the franchise. He highlighted the standout performance of Dennis Greene as Reggie, teasing fans with, “Reasons I’ll let you see for yourselves.” According to Danoff, the action sequences meet the high expectations set by previous films, but it’s the humor that truly elevates this installment, making it a memorable and entertaining experience.
Social media has been abuzz with early reactions from fans who attended special preview screenings. One enthusiastic viewer shared, “Just saw @BadBoys Ride or Die! The action is just as good as you’d expect, and it might be the funniest yet. The biggest applause(s) in my screening went to Dennis Greene as Reggie for reasons I’ll let you see for yourselves! No prior Bad Boys knowledge is needed to have fun!”
Another fan echoed this excitement, saying, “Oh girrrrrrrl, this was a FUN WATCH!! The #BadBoys agenda is alive & well, long & strong. It feels good to have FUN movies in theaters, ya know? It has its serious moments when it needs to but its overall goal is to ENTERTAIN. Bring some escapism. Can’t wait to see it again!”
Critics have also praised directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah for maintaining the franchise’s emotional core while delivering the “insane fun” that fans expect. One reviewer described the experience as “a total blast,” commending the directors for their inventive action sequences and creative camerawork. The chemistry between Smith and Lawrence remains a highlight, with their comedic banter and dynamic performances continuing to captivate audiences.
The film’s plot revolves around the posthumous accusation against Captain Conrad Howard (Joe Pantoliano), who is alleged to have been working with drug cartels. Determined to clear his name, Mike and Marcus assemble a team and find themselves on the run, navigating a dangerous landscape of deception and betrayal. The supporting cast, including Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Núñez, Eric Dane, and Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd, adds depth and excitement to the story.
As anticipation builds for the film’s June 7 release, the final trailer has been unveiled, providing a glimpse into the high-stakes action and gripping narrative. The 2-minute and 19-second trailer showcases Mike and Marcus as they go against the rules to uncover the truth and clear their names. It promises a thrilling journey filled with explosive action, heartfelt moments, and the trademark humor that defines the Bad Boys series.
The positive early reactions suggest that “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” will be a hit with both longtime fans and newcomers. The film balances intense action with lighthearted comedy, creating an engaging and entertaining experience. As one fan aptly put it, “It feels good to have FUN movies in theaters.” This sentiment resonates strongly, especially in a time when audiences are seeking escapism and enjoyment in their cinematic experiences.
The best time I’ve had at the movies in a while. Loved it.
In summary, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” is shaping up to be a standout entry in the franchise. With its blend of action, humor, and heart, it promises to deliver an unforgettable ride. The performances of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, combined with the fresh direction of Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, ensure that this film will capture the essence of what makes the Bad Boys series beloved by many.
So, mark your calendars for June 7 and get ready to join Mike and Marcus on their latest adventure. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a first-time viewer, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” promises to be the perfect blend of excitement, laughter, and cinematic escapism.
In its first trailer, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” leaned heavily on comedic moments, showcasing the signature humor that has endeared the franchise to fans for decades. However, the latest trailer shifts the focus, emphasizing intense action sequences while still delivering a few laughs. This strategic pivot highlights the film’s high-octane energy and sets the stage for an adrenaline-fueled summer blockbuster.
One of the standout features of the trailer is its impressive cinematography. The camera movements are exceptionally smooth, enhancing the visual impact of the action scenes. Directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, known for their dynamic visual style, have once again proven their prowess in crafting engaging and visually stunning sequences. Their use of stylish compositions and innovative drone photography adds a fresh layer to the film’s aesthetic, making the action even more gripping.
The chemistry between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence is, as always, electric. Their on-screen camaraderie is the heart of the Bad Boys franchise, and “Ride or Die” is no exception. The trailer teases numerous moments where their banter and partnership shine, promising plenty of laugh-out-loud moments interspersed with the action. The slapstick comedy and sharp dialogue delivery that fans have come to love are evident, ensuring that audiences will be entertained from start to finish.
