I had some skepticism with Bad Boys for Life. I've liked the first two films and I wasn't sure where this was going to go. A different crew involved in production. But with all that aside, this was a rather good film in its own way. It's not in that Michael Bay style of action, but it knows when to save its best moments.
Life in Miami is still good for the cop duo of Marcus Burnett and Mike Lowrey. But with Marcus becoming a grandparent, the idea of retirement pops up. In the midst of this comes a Mexican gang lead by a mother and son. Long ago, things got ugly and are exacting revenge on the people that put them away. With operations in Miami, it gets very personal for Marcus and Mike. A new group to help them and figuring out the reason why for revenge, it's a ticking clock to stop the bloodshed.
If there's one thing that hasn't changed, it's the personalities. And kudos for sticking to Martin Lawrence and Will Smith because anyone else leading it would be a box office disaster. Marcus is still one to want to keep things peaceful until the shooting starts. And Mike is still a guns blazing type of cop. There's a good balance also of having humorous moments in it, having drama, and creating action when necessary. Although an expensive budget at 90 million, it's not reliant on explosion after explosion, and that's saved for the second half of the film.
There's more of a focus on story, and some of it does dig into Mike's past. Not many returning characters, but there is the return of Marcus' wife and daughter. Not to mention Captain Howard, who is still stressed as ever for the blunders. The new bad guys lead the story very well. A new division for the Miami Police makes for interesting moments, but are very competent in achieving their goals. Nothing feels over the top. While a popcorn flick at points, it's not fully in your face with it.
Like anything set in Miami, the cinematography is in line with getting the vivid colors, the nightlife. Other than the picture quality, some of it feels like Miami Vice. But it also gets the gritty aspects of it in scenes where the action is about to unfold. Speaking of that, it's intense. Marcus and Mike don't always win their battles. And that makes all the more satisfying when they rise to the occasion. Never a boring moment. Add in a hip hop approach along with a score that has you on your toes, and the movie delivers on what many have been waiting for since 2003.
Bad Boys for Life is one to see in the theater. While it may not teach old dogs new tricks, they can adapt to being different while retaining what made them cool.
Score: 7.5 out of 10.
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