But, unlike Bay, theres nothing sanctimonious about the moment.
This is a near-sexagenarian giving into his sweet tooth, not the usual embodiment of masculinity from Bays movies.
Even better, we viewers understand the spacial arrangements.
We know where Mike is, where the gunmen are, and where the fleeing bystanders are at.
The same cannot be said ofRide or Dies script by Chris Bremner and Will Beall.
When focusing on this basic plot,Ride or Dieis a blast.
WhenRide or Diebranches out into too many plot threads, the movie slows down.
FantasticIoan Gruffudd, a name just big enough to telegraph his characters arc).
MeanwhileBetter Call Sauls Rhea Seehorn gets utterly wasted as Howards daughter, a U.S.
Marshal with a grudge against our heroes.
Despite this over-plotting, the fundamental joy of theBad Boysformula is in place throughoutRide or Die.
Lawrence completely embraces the sitcom dad energy of Marcus, eschewing any pretensions to be an action star.
Smith proves once again that neither age nor slaps, nor prestige Oscar plays can diminish his on-screen persona.
Ride or Dieeven elides Bays conservative streak to a certain extent.
ButRide or Diemakes things personal all the way through, which somehow feels more honest than most copaganda.
At no point are Mike and Marcus interested in serving or protecting, not even nominally.
Arent you the police?
In those moments, Adil & Bilall deliver what Bay only suggests.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die opens on June 7, 2024.
Learn more about Den of Geeks review process and why you could trust our recommendationshere.
Rating:
3 out of 5
