Bad Boys 4 Review: Will Smith and Martin Lawrence Try to Prove Cop Buddies Never Age

The dynamic duo of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence is back with Bad Boys 4, and it’s clear they’re on a mission to convince us that cop buddies never age. But can this latest installment in the franchise keep up with the expectations, or is it time for these beloved characters to retire their badges?

Plot and Performances

The film picks up with detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) as they face their toughest challenge yet: dealing with the implications of aging while trying to keep Miami safe. From the opening car chase to the final shootout, it’s a nostalgia trip filled with high-octane action and banter that fans have come to expect. Yet, there’s a palpable effort to mask the wear and tear on our aging heroes.

Smith and Lawrence’s chemistry remains the heartbeat of the series. Their comedic timing is as sharp as ever, delivering laughs that land more on familiarity than innovation. Smith’s charm and Lawrence’s comedic relief provide a comforting presence, though it occasionally feels like they’re leaning too heavily on past successes rather than pushing for new heights.

Action and Direction

Director Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah return to helm this fourth installment, bringing their signature style of flashy visuals and rapid cuts. The action sequences are as explosive as ever, but there’s an unmistakable sense that we’ve seen it all before. Car chases, gunfights, and a particularly over-the-top helicopter scene offer spectacle, but lack the freshness that made the original films iconic.

The duo’s direction ensures that the film remains visually engaging, but there’s an undercurrent of fatigue that seeps through. It feels like a greatest hits tour, where the thrill of seeing familiar faces and scenarios is tempered by the realization that innovation has taken a backseat.

Themes and Aging

Thematically, Bad Boys 4 attempts to grapple with the inevitability of aging. Mike and Marcus are no longer the invincible young cops of the ’90s; they’re dealing with physical limitations and existential questions about their legacy. While this provides moments of introspection, it often clashes with the film’s otherwise relentless pace and levity.

The script tries to balance these heavier themes with the franchise’s trademark humor and action, but the result is a tonal inconsistency that leaves the film feeling disjointed. It’s a bold move to address aging head-on, but it sometimes feels like the film is trying to have its cake and eat it too.

Conclusion

Bad Boys 4 is a mixed bag. It delivers the action and humor that fans expect, bolstered by the undeniable chemistry of its leads. However, it struggles to find new ground, often falling back on the formula that made its predecessors successful. For fans of the franchise, it’s a nostalgic ride worth taking, but don’t expect it to redefine the genre or the series. It’s a reminder that while cop buddies might never age in our hearts, the passage of time is inevitable, even in Hollywood.

In the end, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence prove that they’ve still got it, even if “it” might be a bit more creaky and familiar than before. Bad Boys 4 is a testament to the enduring appeal of its stars, but also a sign that perhaps it’s time to start thinking about passing the torch.