Bad Boys: Ride or Die
Bad Boys: Ride or Die | |
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![]() Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | Adil & Bilall |
Written by |
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Based on | Characters by George Gallo |
Produced by | |
Starring | |
Cinematography | Robrecht Heyvaert |
Edited by |
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Music by | Lorne Balfe |
Production companies | |
Distributed by | Sony Pictures Releasing |
Release dates |
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Running time | 115 minutes[1] |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Budget | $100 million[2] |
Box office | $403.4 million[3][4] |
Bad Boys: Ride or Die is a 2024 American action comedy film starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. The fourth installment of the Bad Boys series of films, and the sequel to Bad Boys for Life (2020), it was directed by Adil & Bilall and written by Chris Bremner and Will Beall. Joe Pantoliano, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Núñez, Jacob Scipio, John Salley, and DJ Khaled reprise their roles from previous installments. Tasha Smith joins the cast as Theresa Burnett replacing Theresa Randle, who played the character in the last three films. The story follows Miami detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, who are attempting to clear the name of their late Captain, Conrad Howard,[5] after he is falsely accused of conspiracy.[6]
Bad Boys: Ride or Die premiered at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on May 22, 2024, and was released in the United States on June 7. The film grossed $403 million worldwide against a production budget of $100 million, becoming the tenth-highest-grossing film of 2024.
Plot
[edit]Four years after the death of Isabel Aretas,[b] MPD Detective Mike Lowrey marries his physical therapist, Christine. During the reception, his partner, Detective Marcus Burnett, suffers a mild heart attack and goes into a coma, where he experiences a vision of the late Captain Conrad Howard telling him it is not his time.
When Marcus wakes up, he believes he cannot die. Soon after, a news report reveals that Captain Howard was tied to corruption with the drug cartels. With Captain Howard's legacy being posthumously tarnished, Mike and Marcus are determined to prove his innocence with the help of Captain Rita Secada and her new boyfriend, mayoral candidate Adam Lockwood. Mike and Marcus visit Mike's son, Armando Aretas, who is incarcerated for Howard's murder. Armando tells them that Howard was not corrupt, but knew who was, so the corrupted officials hired him and his mother to kill Howard because he was close to exposing the corruption and offers to help them identify the person responsible for Howard's murder.
When the conspirators try to access Captain Howard's computer, a fail-safe, pre-recorded video is sent to Mike and Marcus, warning them of corruption within federal and state law enforcement. Howard uses the phrase "Coke bottle" as a codephrase and it is revealed that he gave information to their former hacker colleague Fletcher. They go to Fletcher's club to retrieve the "files", which turns out to be a QR code hidden in wall art that unlocks a second video from Captain Howard. However, assassins hired by the conspirators tail them to the club and kill Fletcher.
Meanwhile, Armando is attacked by several of the conspirators disguised as prisoners, but he fends them off. Mike and Marcus arrange for Armando to be air-lifted to a more secure location in Miami. However, the conspirators sneak on board and kill the pilot and guards, causing the helicopter to crash. Mike, Marcus, and Armando survive but are branded as wanted fugitives by the conspirators. When the conspirators put out a bounty, the three are hunted by both law enforcement and opportunistic criminals. Conrad's daughter, U.S. Marshal Judy Howard, swears vengeance on Armando for killing her father.
With the assistance of AMMO (Advanced Miami Metro Operations) members Dorn and Kelly, Mike and Marcus uncover the video clues behind the murder and setup. Armando identifies the man who hired him to kill Captain Howard as James McGrath, a former Army Ranger turned DEA agent. While undercover, McGrath got captured by the cartel and was tortured until he gave up his associates and has been working with them ever since. McGrath orchestrates the kidnapping of Christine and Callie, Judy's daughter. He then sends his men to get Marcus' family, but Marcus' Marine son-in-law, Reggie, single-handedly kills all of them. Rita, Dorn, and Kelly apprehend Lockwood after he is exposed to be working with McGrath.
Using Lockwood as bait, the team engages in a fierce gunfight with McGrath's men at a former alligator-themed amusement park to rescue Christine and Callie. Later on during the fight, Lockwood attempts to double-cross the team, but Rita thwarts his attempt at shooting her during his escape, sending him into the water and causing him to be devoured by an alligator. Mike confronts McGrath, who holds both Christine and Marcus hostage at gunpoint. McGrath then presents Mike with an ultimatum: he must pick either Christine or Marcus to die. Mike, alluding to Marcus' newfound belief that he "cannot die", shoots Marcus in his bulletproof vest. The chaos allows Christine and Marcus to break free before Mike shoots McGrath dead. Amidst the chaos, Judy finds Armando and Callie. Judy prepares to kill Armando, but Callie tells her mother that he saved her life. Begrudgingly grateful for his heroic act, Judy shows mercy to Armando and allows him to escape.
Afterwards, Mike, Marcus, and Howard are cleared of all charges and the corruption is exposed. Mike and Marcus' familys then celebrate by having a picnic in the park, with Mike and Marcus cooking food on a public grill with Reggie.
In the post-credits scene, the whole movie rewinds to the year 305 BC, alluding to one of Marcus' delirious ramblings to Mike from earlier in the film. Marcus is bringing along a donkey through the wilderness while berating it. The donkey then pushes Marcus down, and Mike's voice can be heard interspersed with the donkey's grunts, laughing and telling off Marcus.
Cast
[edit]- Will Smith as Det. Lt. Michael Eugene "Mike" Lowrey, Marcus' partner/best friend.
- Martin Lawrence as Det. Lt. Marcus Miles Burnett, Mike's partner/best friend.
- Vanessa Hudgens as Kelly, a weapons expert of AMMO.[7]
- Alexander Ludwig as Dorn, a tech expert of AMMO.
- Paola Núñez as Rita Secada, Miami PD captain and Mike's ex-girlfriend, now dating Adam Lockwood.
- Eric Dane as James McGrath, a former U.S. Army Ranger and D.E.A Agent who turned criminal after being captured and tortured by the Cartel[8]
- Ioan Gruffudd as Adam Lockwood, a district attorney and Rita's romantic partner, seeking to become the next mayor of Miami
- Jacob Scipio as Armando Aretas, Mike's illegitimate son and former Cartel assassin
- Melanie Liburd as Christine Lowrey, Mike's new wife
- Tasha Smith as Theresa Burnett, Marcus' wife; Smith replaces Theresa Randle, who portrayed the character in previous films
- Tiffany Haddish as Tabitha[9]
- Joe Pantoliano as Captain Conrad Howard. The character was previously killed by Armando, but appears both via video footage, and via a near-death ghostly vision had by Marcus and Mike.[10]
- John Salley as Fletcher, a paroled hacker
- DJ Khaled as Manny the Butcher
- Rhea Seehorn as Judy Howard, a U.S. Marshal, Conrad Howard's daughter and Callie's mother, who is hunting down Mike and Marcus
- Dennis Greene as Reggie Norman, Marcus' son-in-law and a U.S. Marine Master Sergeant
- Bianca Bethune as Megan Burnett, Marcus' daughter and Reggie's wife
- Quinn Hemphill as Callie Howard, Conrad Howard's granddaughter and Judy's daughter
- Jason Davis as Agent Grice, an FBI agent
- Derek Russo as Lintz, McGrath's second-in-command
- Joyner Lucas as a gang leader
- Jenna Kanell as Nicole, McGrath's hacker
- Khaby Lame as non-speaking cameo appearance
Michael Bay, who directed the first two installments, makes a cameo appearance as a Porsche driver, after previously cameoing in the second and third films.
Production
[edit]Development
[edit]Following the opening weekend box-office success of Bad Boys for Life (2020), Sony announced plans for a fourth Bad Boys installment, with Chris Bremner returning to write the script.[11][12]
In April 2022, it was reported that development for the fourth film was being put on hold in light of the incident with Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards ceremony. However, the following month Sony head chairman Tom Rothman confirmed the fourth film was still in development, despite the previous report.[13][14] In February 2023, Smith announced that he and Lawrence would reprise their roles for the film, which was in pre-production, with Adil & Bilall returning to direct.[15][16] In March 2023, it was revealed that Vanessa Hudgens would reprise her role as Kelly from Bad Boys for Life.[7] In April 2023, it was announced that Eric Dane had been cast, reportedly as the villain, and that Paola Núñez and Alexander Ludwig would also reprise their roles from Bad Boys for Life.[17] The same month, Ioan Gruffudd joined the cast.[18] In May 2023, it was announced that Rhea Seehorn had joined the cast.[19] Bad Boys: Ride or Die was originally the working title by co-director Adil El Arbi, before it was confirmed in early 2024.[20]
Despite his character's death early on in the previous film, Joe Pantoliano returned as Captain Conrad Howard thanks to Will Smith insisting on bringing him back to the writers, with producer Doug Belgrad contacting Pantoliano to reprise the role even though Smith haven't kept him informed about his plans for Howard.[21]
Filming
[edit]Principal photography began on April 3, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia and Miami, Florida.[22][23] On May 22, 2023, TMZ released behind the scenes clips of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence filming scenes of the movie in Atlanta.[24] Filming was suspended in July due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.[25] In March 2024, it was revealed that Jacob Scipio would reprise his role as Armando Aretas from the previous film.[26] Filming wrapped on March 4.[27]
Post-production
[edit]Asaf Eisenberg and Dan Lebental served as editors on the film.[28]
Lorne Balfe, who composed Bad Boys for Life, has returned to compose the fourth film. Sony Classical has released the soundtrack, coinciding with the film's release date.
Music
[edit]The soundtrack for the film was released by Epic Records on June 7, 2024, featuring its lead single, Black Eyed Peas and El Alfa’s "Tonight", featuring Becky G. Several artists were also featured on it, including Sean Paul, Flo Milli, Bia, Myke Towers, Shenseea, and JID, among others.
Marketing
[edit]The first trailer of the film was released on March 26, 2024.[29] The final trailer for the film was released on May 16.[30] On May 28, Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat and Lionel Messi of Inter Miami featured in another trailer.[31]
Release
[edit]Theatrical
[edit]The world premiere of Bad Boys: Ride or Die was held at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on May 22, 2024,[32][33] and it was released in the United States on June 7, 2024. It was originally scheduled to be released on July 3, 2019,[34] but was moved up to May 24, 2019,[35] before being pulled from the schedule. In July 2023, it was announced that the film would be released on June 14, 2024.[36] In February 2024, the release date was moved up a week to June 7.[37][38]
Home media
[edit]Sony Pictures Home Entertainment announced that Bad Boys: Ride or Die was released on Digital HD and platforms on July 23, 2024,[39] and is scheduled to be released on Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD on September 24, 2024.[40] It includes a blooper reel, deleted scenes, and a brand-new after credits scene.
Reception
[edit]Box office
[edit]As of September 2, 2024[update], Bad Boys: Ride or Die has grossed $193.6 million in the United States and Canada, and $209.8 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $403.4 million,[3][4] becoming the tenth-highest-grossing film of 2024.[41]
In the United States and Canada, Ride or Die was released alongside The Watchers, and was initially projected to gross around $40 million from 3,850 theaters in its opening weekend.[42] After making $21 million on its first day, including $5.88 million from Thursday night previews, weekend estimates were raised to $52 million. It went on to debut to $56.5 million, topping the box office.[43] 72% of opening weekend tickets were sold day-of, while 50% of the audience was under 35, with 44% being Black, 26% Hispanic and Latino, 18% Caucasian, and 12% Asian American/other.[44] In its sophomore weekend the film made $33.7 million (an "amazing" drop of just 40%, the best of the series), finishing in second behind newcomer Inside Out 2.[45]
Critical response
[edit]On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 65% of 245 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 5.9/10. The website's consensus reads: "Will Smith and Martin Lawrence remain good company even when Bad Boys strains to up the ante, proving there's still life left in this high-octane franchise."[46] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 54 out of 100, based on 50 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.[47] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A–" on an A+ to F scale, making the film the first installment in the series not to earn an A.[44] PostTrak reported a 90% overall positive score, with 84% saying they would definitely recommend it.[44]
The BBC was more mixed, stating, "Critics are sometimes told that we shouldn't analyse Hollywood blockbusters, we should just switch off our brains and enjoy them. Well, not many films are as dependent on our brains being on standby as Bad Boys: Ride or Die. The plot is nonsensical, the grenade-dodging stunts are even more nonsensical, and the internal logic is non-existent: the assertion that Marcus has to avoid stressful situations after his heart attack is forgotten within 30 seconds. But the film is fun enough in its chaotic, grungy, rough and ready way."[48]
Possible sequel
[edit]On June 7, 2024, Smith and Lawrence told Entertainment Weekly that they would be open to return for a fifth film in the franchise, as long as the younger cast members do more stunts and there's a story involving their characters worth being told, with Lawrence also noting it would depend on whether the fans demanded more films.[49] On June 11, 2024, producer Jerry Bruckheimer noted that there had been discussions for a fifth Bad Boys film, but they are primarily waiting to see how Bad Boys: Ride or Die performs at the box office.[50]
Notes
[edit]- ^ Jerry Bruckheimer Films used the Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films logo in memory of Don Simpson, who co-produced the first film.
- ^ As depicted in Bad Boys for Life (2020).
References
[edit]- ^ "Bad Boys: Ride or Die (15)". BBFC. May 28, 2024. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
- ^ Blevins, Adam (May 19, 2024). "Box Office Preview: 'Will Smith and Martin Lawrence Are Out for Vengeance in 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' Trailer". Collider. Retrieved May 19, 2024.
- ^ a b "Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- ^ a b "Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)". The Numbers. Nash Information Services, LLC. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
- ^ Hathaway, Benjamin (August 10, 2024). "Will Smith Had to Push for the Return of a Classic Original Character in Bad Boys 4". MovieWeb. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
- ^ "Bad Boys 4 debuts with lower Rotten Tomatoes rating than previous movie". Yahoo News. June 7, 2024. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
- ^ a b "Vanessa Hudgens Returns For 'Bad Boys 4' With Will Smith & Martin Lawrence; Filming To Begin In Coming Months". Deadline Hollywood. March 14, 2023. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
- ^ Hammond, Pete (May 23, 2024). "'Bad Boys: Ride Or Die' Review: Will Smith And Martin Lawrence In Over The Top But Fun 4th Time Around As Miami's Memorable Cop Duo". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on June 4, 2024. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
- ^ "Bad Boys: Ride or Die". IMDb. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (March 26, 2024). "'Bad Boys 4' Title Unveiled In First Trailer As Will Smith & Martin Lawrence Return To Miami – Watch". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
- ^ Obenson, Tambay (January 18, 2020). "'Bad Boys': Fourth Movie Starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence Is Already Being Planned". IndieWire. Archived from the original on December 25, 2020. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
- ^ "'Bad Boys 4' in the Works (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. January 17, 2020. Archived from the original on June 22, 2020. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
- ^ Lund, Anthony (April 2, 2022). "Bad Boys 4 Production Reportedly Paused Following Will Smith Slap". MovieWeb. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
- ^ 'Bad Boys 4' Still in Development Despite 'Unfortunate' Will Smith Slap, Says Sony Chairman
- ^ Jackson, Angelique (January 31, 2023). "Will Smith and Martin Lawrence Announce Fourth 'Bad Boys' Movie". Variety. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
- ^ Bad Boys Will Smith and Martin Lawrence make big announcement!
- ^ Kroll, Justin (April 10, 2023). "'Euphoria's Eric Dane Joins 'Bad Boys 4'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (April 28, 2023). "'Bad Boys 4': Ioan Gruffudd Latest To Join Next Installment Of Sony Franchise". Deadline. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (May 24, 2023). "'Bad Boys 4': Rhea Seehorn Joins Will Smith & Martin Lawrence Sony Pic". Deadline. Retrieved May 24, 2023.
- ^ Northrup, Ryan (September 14, 2023). "Bad Boys 4 Title & Different Tone Teased By Director". Screen Rant. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
- ^ Crowley, Liam (August 8, 2024). "Bad Boys: Will Smith Personally Pushed For Original Star's Return in Ride or Die (Exclusive)". ComicBook.com. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
- ^ "Bad Boys 4 Production List". Film & Television Industry Alliance. February 20, 2023. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
- ^ "Bad Boys 4 Production Listing". Backstage. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
- ^ "Will Smith and Martin Lawrence Guns Blazing on Atlanta StreetsFor 'Bad Boys 4' Shoot-Out EXCLUSIVE". TMZ. May 22, 2023. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
- ^ Gonzalez, Umberto (July 14, 2023). "Here Are All The Movies Affected by the SAG-AFTRA Strike From Deadpool 3 to Mission: Impossible 8 (Photos)". TheWrap. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
- ^ Donnelly, Matt (March 1, 2024). "'Bad Boys 4': Jacob Scipio Returns in Will Smith and Martin Lawrence Sequel". Variety. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
- ^ Dick, Jeremy (March 4, 2024). "Will Smith Reveals First Look at Bad Boys 4 as Filming Wraps". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
- ^ "Bad Boys: Ride or Die – Company 3". Company 3. May 28, 2024. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
- ^ Juneau, Jen (March 26, 2024). "Bad Boys: Ride or Die Trailer Brings Will Smith and Martin Lawrence Back for More Action". People.
- ^ Klein, Brennan (May 16, 2024). "Bad Boys 4 Final Trailer: Will Smith & Martin Lawrence Face Off Against Dirty Cops". Screen Rant.
- ^ Bengel, Chris (May 28, 2024). "Jimmy Butler, Lionel Messi appear in latest 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' trailer with Will Smith, Martin Lawrence". CBS Sports.
- ^ Juneau, Jen (May 23, 2024). "Jada Pinkett Smith Supports Husband Will Smith at His Bad Boys: Ride or Die Premiere in Dubai". People. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
- ^ Gulzar, Falah (May 23, 2024). "Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith And Martin Lawrence Attend Bad Boys: Ride Or Die World Premiere in Dubai". Harper's Bazaar Arabia. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
- ^ "Sony Pictures Dates 16 Films Through 2019!". ComingSoon.net. August 5, 2015. Archived from the original on August 7, 2015. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (December 9, 2016). "'Spider-Man: Homecoming 2' Shoots Web Around Independence Day 2019; 'Bad Boys 4' Moves To Memorial Day". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on December 10, 2016. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
- ^ Sharf, Zack (July 28, 2023). "'Venom 3' and 'Bad Boys 4' Land Summer 2024 Release Dates". Variety. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (February 26, 2024). "'Bad Boys 4' Moves In On 'The Crow' During Early June". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
- ^ "'Bad Boys 4' Title Unveiled In First Trailer As Will Smith & Martin Lawrence Return To Miami – Watch". Deadline. March 26, 2024.
- ^ "Bad Boys: Ride or Die DVD Release Date". DVDs Release Dates. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
- ^ "Bad Boys: Ride or Die 4K Blu-ray". Blu-ray.com. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
- ^ "Top 2024 Movies at the Worldwide Box Office". The Numbers. Retrieved June 27, 2024.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony; Tartaglione, Nancy (June 5, 2024). "'Bad Boys: Ride Or Die' Hopes To Avoid Speed Bump At Sluggish Summer Box Office With $75M+ Global Opening – Preview". Deadline. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
- ^ "Domestic 2024 Weekend 23". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
- ^ a b c Anthony D'Alessandro (June 9, 2024). "Sony Puts Summer Back On Track As Will Smith & Martin Lawrence's 'Bad Boys: Ride Or Die' Clocks $56M Opening – Sunday AM Update". Deadline. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (June 16, 2024). "Pixar Comes Alive: Inside Out 2 Turns Box Office Right Side Up With 2nd Best Animated Pic Opening Of All-Time At $155M – Sunday AM Update". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 16, 2024.
- ^ "Bad Boys: Ride or Die". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
- ^ "Bad Boys: Ride or Die". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
- ^ Barber, Nicholas (June 4, 2024). "Bad Boys: Ride or Die review – Will Smith's post-slap 'hectic' comeback". BBC. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
- ^ Bucksbaum, Sydney (June 7, 2024). "Will Smith and Martin Lawrence tease future movies after Bad Boys: Ride or Die ending". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (June 11, 2024). "'Bad Boys: Ride Or Die's Jerry Bruckheimer On Future Fifth Film, 'Top Gun 3' & Reviving Box Office: "The Audience Is There"". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
External links
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- 2024 films
- 2024 action comedy films
- 2020s American films
- 2020s buddy comedy films
- 2020s buddy cop films
- 2020s English-language films
- African-American films
- African-American action comedy films
- American action comedy films
- American buddy comedy films
- American buddy cop films
- American films about revenge
- American police detective films
- American sequel films
- Bad Boys (franchise)
- Columbia Pictures films
- Jerry Bruckheimer Films films
- Fictional portrayals of the Miami-Dade Police Department
- Films affected by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike
- Films directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah
- Films produced by Doug Belgrad
- Films produced by Jerry Bruckheimer
- Films produced by Will Smith
- Films scored by Lorne Balfe
- Films set in Miami
- Films shot in Atlanta
- Films shot in Miami
- Films with screenplays by Will Beall
- Films with screenplays by Chris Bremner
- 2020s hood films