“Bad Boys For Life” finally came out in theaters earlier this year, says director Michael Bay, who was off doing other things – more specifically “6 Underground” with Ryan Reynolds for Netflix. I saw it before the stay-at-home mandate went into effect, changing our lives and daily routines.
This tale finds two veteran Miami cops, Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) and Mike Lowery (Will Smith), who just want to retire. Lowery is still up for all the action, something his nimble body is still used to. Burnett, on the other hand, feels like he has done enough for the people of the city and wants to end his stint as a man in blue.
Will Smith, left and Martin Lawrence are on the lookout from their car. Photo courtesy IMDb
Sewn into the plot are other members of the Miami police force that include Vanessa Hudgens (“Sucker Punch,” the “High School Musical” franchise), and Alexander Ludwig (TV’s “Vikings,” “Lone Survivor”).
Gone are the fast-paced, quick cuts former director Bay employed. Instead, the audience is treated to the action from directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah who do a competent job of shooting their antics for the big screen.
The directing duo developed their careers on a variety of projects, including music videos and short films. Fallah directed 2018’s “Gangsta.” He also helmed the independently made “Black” in 2015.
In the end, this one turned out to be the best of the “Bad Boys” trilogy. Part 2 was too lengthy for its own good. It ran for 2 hours, 27 minutes. That length to me is just ridiculous. Bay and his crew should have done better.
Also woven into this tale is the duo’s disclaimer that they don’t want the other new cops singing the “Bad Boys” theme song. They explain it took them years to master it and they don’t appreciate such mangling of their precious song.
The plot essentially revolves around a mother and son portrayed by Kate del Castillo and Jacob Scipio. They’re a tag team wreaking havoc across the golden streets of Miami. The catch is that one of the sons is Lowery’s offspring.
Also involved is Joe Pantoliano as Capt. Howard. He’s been in all of these tales since the original in 1995.
He’s a welcome return, since his appearance always puts a smile on my face. He’s just a fun actor to watch. I liked him in “The Fugitive” (1993), “Bound” (1996), “Memento” (2000), “Midnight Run” (1988) and, lest we forget, his part in the Wachowski siblings’ “The Matrix” in 1999.
With all my reservations covering this trilogy, “Bad Boys For Life” actually turned out to be a tolerable piece of popcorn entertainment.
Grade B-
