Among action franchises, Bad Boys stands out as a beloved series for those who grew up in the 1990s and 2000s. Directed by Michael Bay, the initial two films combined thrilling shootouts and car chases with humor. The franchise saw a revival in 2020 with the addition of directors Adil & Bilall.
With the release of the fourth installment, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, fans can once again join Will Smith’s Mike and Martin Lawrence’s Marcus for another thrilling adventure. This time, the duo uncovers a dangerous conspiracy linked to their early days with the Miami Police Department, culminating in a chaotic and destructive finale.
Ride or Die brings back the thrilling duo for another explosive adventure (Photo: Bad Boys 4/Columbia Pictures)Updated on January 6, 2025, this latest chapter in the Bad Boys saga continues to explore the dynamic between Smith and Lawrence’s characters. The film successfully enhances the franchise’s best elements while delving into new developments for its characters. This update also includes insights on the future of Bad Boys and aligns with CBR’s revised formatting standards.
Uncovering the Conspiracy in Bad Boys: Ride or Die
In the latest installment of this buddy-cop action series, Mike and Marcus are troubled by the posthumous framing of their former captain, Conrad Howard, as a collaborator with a shadowy cartel. They firmly believe he would never associate with criminals, yet the cartel has deceitfully deposited money in his accounts to suggest otherwise.
Captain Howard leaves behind videos for his team, revealing the presence of moles within their department. The corruption runs deep, implicating the FBI, DEA, and even prison security personnel. Additionally, Mike and Marcus find themselves framed as fugitives while trying to protect Mike’s son, Armando, who is incarcerated.
The action genre has gifted audiences with some of the most enduring films, many of which remain popular despite repeated viewings. Armando, who previously worked for a faction of the cartel in Bad Boys for Life, had fatally shot Howard under the orders of his mother, Isabel, who is also Mike’s ex.
Now, seeking redemption, Armando believes he can identify the real orchestrator behind the framing of the heroes. Fortunately, they receive support from Miami’s AMMO tactical unit, featuring Kelly and Dorn, as well as Rita Secada, the new captain and another of Mike’s exes.
However, every strategic move they make is compromised by James McGrath (Eric Dane), the sub-boss of the cartel. In a twist, it becomes apparent that Rita’s boyfriend, Adam Lockwood, is the one leaking critical information.
Lockwood, running for mayor, claims to seek justice for Howard. Meanwhile, the team learns that McGrath was a former DEA agent who fell into the cartel’s hands, suffering torture and at the end switching sides. After the events of 9/11, members of American homeland security became embroiled with the cartel, forming a covert group that profited from drug trafficking.
Mike and Marcus discover that cases from earlier films were extensions of this conspiracy. Howard had to die because his private investigation was unraveling too many secrets. The heroes manage to capture Lockwood, attempting to bait McGrath by luring Mike’s wife, Christine, to an abandoned gator park.
The Climactic Confrontation in Bad Boys: Ride or Die
When Lockwood expresses the desire to move their leverage regarding Christine, McGrath grows wary. A shootout ensues, with Kelly utilizing drones to eliminate several gang members. The rest of the team provides crucial support.
Rita, upon confronting Lockwood, realizes she cannot bring herself to shoot him but instead kicks him into a pond where an alligator devours him. McGrath subsequently takes Marcus hostage on the beach, prompting Mike to recall Marcus’ previous near-death experiences, as Marcus has insisted throughout the film that he is invulnerable.
In a pivotal moment, Mike accepts the risk, shooting Marcus in his bulletproof vest. As Marcus collapses, he gains the chance to shoot McGrath. Marcus reverts to his old self, furious that Mike tested his limits, but this dynamic is integral to their relationship—Marcus concocts wild ideas, and Mike must keep him grounded.
This mission equips Rita with the evidence needed to exonerate Howard, allowing Mike and Marcus to return to their duties. Despite putting their ghosts to rest, they remain uneasy knowing that a powerful cartel still operates without any live prisoners to aid their investigation into the leaders.
Mike’s Personal Growth in Bad Boys: Ride or Die
A central theme in Bad Boys 4 revolves around Mike grappling with anxiety and panic attacks. Will Smith’s character experiences a profound sense of fear for the first time, stemming from the loss of many loved ones and the looming possibility of losing Christine.
This newfound vulnerability affects his performance, leaving him hesitant to take lethal shots. Traditionally confident, Mike now finds himself insecure.
Marcus continually reassures him of his destiny for greatness, sharing insights gained from his near-death experiences following a heart attack. He encourages Mike to embrace fearlessness, culminating in a moment where Mike envisions Howard urging him to release his guilt.
Haunted by the thought that a better relationship with Isabel might have changed Armando’s upbringing and spared Howard’s life, Mike confronts his trauma. He realizes he cannot control others’ fates and that past events were not his responsibility.
This newfound acceptance empowers him during the film’s final confrontation, marking a turning point in his character arc. Even Rita playfully mocks him, recognizing the contrast between the man he has become and the reckless youth he once was.
The realization that Christine represents his soulmate profoundly impacts Mike, as he finally learns to balance his emotions and separate his personal life from his professional duties. By the end, he embraces the man he was always meant to be, supported by his romantic partner and Marcus’ family.
Armando’s Redemption in Bad Boys: Ride or Die
Armando emerges as a remarkable ally, demonstrating his potential as a soldier while working alongside AMMO. He even steps in to protect another hostage, Callie (Howard’s granddaughter), showcasing his desire for redemption and his ambition to follow in Mike’s footsteps.
However, this situation takes a dramatic turn when Callie’s mother, Judy (a U.S. Marshal), appears, intent on killing Armando, echoing tense moments from Fast & Furious where Dwayne Johnson’s Hobbs pursued Dominic Toretto’s crew.
Fortunately, Callie defends Armando, offering forgiveness for his role in her grandfather’s death, a sentiment Judy eventually adopts as well. Acknowledging that the justice system may never clear Armando’s name, Mike facilitates his escape via boat, symbolizing a new beginning.
This moment serves as an homage to Dom’s release by Paul Walker’s Brian in Fast & Furious. Mike experiences a personal rebirth through this act of compassion.
Armando’s journey toward redemption leads to a reconciliation with Marcus, who longed for improved communication and understanding. The gratitude and empathy displayed foster a deeper bond between father and son. Mike’s admiration for Armando grows, as he sees him emerging as another “Bad Boy” ready to stand by him and Marcus in their time of need.
The Post-Credits Scene of Bad Boys: Ride or Die
Viewers who caught Bad Boys: Ride or Die in theaters may have missed its entertaining post-credits scene, which was not part of the theatrical cut. However, upon streaming, fans were treated to a quirky surprise that takes a humorous turn.
The scene transports audiences back to 305 B.C., where a man resembling Marcus Burnett struggles along a desert road with a stubborn donkey. His rants and frustrations culminate in him cursing the donkey “for all lifetimes” before the animal surprisingly retaliates, responding in Will Smith’s voice.
Thrills and chaos reign as the Bad Boys duo faces off against a shadowy cartel (Photo: Bad Boys 4/Columbia Pictures)With Netflix reportedly considering a Bad Boys reunion, Michael Bay is in talks to direct Smith’s next major action project. Fans are encouraged not to read too deeply into the comedic post-credits sequence of Ride or Die, particularly since it was cut from the theatrical release.
It appears to serve merely as an entertaining joke, allowing Smith and Lawrence to explore a lighthearted moment with their iconic characters. The amusing implication suggests that Mike Lowrey was a donkey in a previous life, owned by an earlier version of Marcus Burnett, echoing a conversation the two had during the film that hints at their shared past lives.
The Future of the Bad Boys Franchise
While a fifth installment of Bad Boys: Ride or Die has not yet been officially confirmed, prospects for the franchise’s continuation seem promising. In a pre-release interview with Entertainment Weekly, Smith and Lawrence expressed their willingness to return for a fifth film, albeit with the stipulation that they would prefer to pass on more physically demanding stunts to younger actors. Despite being in their 50s and showcasing impressive physical fitness in the latest film, they acknowledge the limitations of continuing action-heavy roles indefinitely.
The recent Bad Boys films have effectively introduced younger characters such as Vanessa Hudgens’ Kelly, Alexander Ludwig’s Dorn, and Jacob Scipio’s Armando. Future installments may focus on Mike and Marcus as they mentor a new generation of heroes, paving the way for an entirely new chapter in the franchise.
Though an official announcement is still pending, the prospects seem increasingly likely. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer recently informed Deadline that the future of the Bad Boys franchise hinges on the fourth film’s box office performance.
With Ride or Die surpassing $400 million globally, making it the second highest-grossing film in the series, the development of a fifth installment appears imminent. Additionally, with the film making waves on streaming platforms, it seems that Bad Boys: Ride or Die may not be the last entry in this beloved franchise.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die culminates in an action-packed finale, leaving fans eager for more adventures. Fortunately, the film’s success at the box office and streaming platforms suggests that it may pave the way for even more explosive moments in the future. With the potential for a fifth installment and the reimagining of beloved characters, the Bad Boys franchise is poised for a thrilling ride ahead.
