Without fail, every time a new Bad Boys movie hits theatres, it becomes one of the year’s biggest cinematic releases (if not the biggest, like in 2020). And Bad Boys: Ride or Die, which is now available to buy or rent on all digital platforms, has proven no different.
While the franchise has endured something of an evolution across 30-odd years and four feature-length entries — even surviving a baton passing from OG director Michael Bay to upstart filmmakers Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah — one thing remains comfortingly consistent:
The legendary partnership of detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith)
and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence).
Time and time again, this insanely quotable bromance hasn’t just delivered an excellent pop cultural template for male friendship, but also some of the most memorable moments in action-flick history.
Here are a few of our favourites.
Enter: The Bad Boys
It may feel like a copout, but as far as character introductions go, this is one of history’s greatest — you know exactly who (and what) you’re dealing with right from the jump.
From the sepia-drenched sunset filter and sweeping low shots of Mike’s Porsche (“a shiny dick,” according to Marcus); to that irreverent dialogue in the face of danger… all because a burger and fries were dropped in said “shiny dick.”
It perfectly set the tone for the ensuing years, and already smelled like an instant classic all the way back in 1995.
The Liquor Store
In the same vein as the intro scene of 1995’s Bad Boys, this sitcom-level misunderstanding meets vintage Michael Bay action scene was a perfect showcase of the franchise’s personality.
A pack of tropical fruit Bubbilicous, indeed.
“S**t Just Got Real.”
Before it became ingrained within pop culture as a catchphrase/internet meme, it was the very crux of a pivotal scene in Bad Boys II (along with the signature Michael Bay 360 pan shot); and one of many reminders Mike and Marcus weren’t just maverick goofballs.
The stakes are raised when it’s revealed Marcus’ sister and DEA Special Agent Sydney “Syd” Burnett (Gabrielle Union) has been taken hostage by Cuban drug kingpin Johnny Tapia (Jordi Molla).
Naturally, the fellas decide to take matters into their own hands: with or without official backing.
Fun fact: this scene also inadvertently references the titles of the last two films — Smith’s Mike Lowrey explicitly tells Lawrence’s Marcus Burnett, “We ride together, we die together. Bad boys for life.”
Meet Reggie (The Door Scene)
You knew this was coming the moment you read the headline.
A scripted interrogation of the daughter’s boyfriend has probably never been funnier; which was further enhanced with some crafty behind-the-scenes direction tailored just for Dennis Greene.
Pure comedy from both Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, you almost wish this moment never ended.
Minor spoiler: Reggie braves the storm of father-in-law Marcus and Mike’s wrath, and his service in the US Marine Corps, to return for a key moment in Bad Boys: Ride or Die.
Unsurprisingly, the latest blockbuster affair has also delivered — star-studded cast, explosive sequences, and all.
In Bad Boys: Ride or Die, when their dearly departed Captain Conrad Howard (Joe Pantoliano) is framed for drug cartel-related corruption, Miami’s finest must embark upon a high-stakes mission to clear his name.
But with Conrad’s vengeful daughter and US Marshal Judy (Rhea Seehorn) hot in pursuit, their most dangerous adversary yet in former special forces soldier turned criminal James McGrath (Eric Dane), and a darker conspiracy at hand… the task proves to be rather complicated.
To cut a long story short for those of you who missed the theatrical run, expect belly laughs, edge-of-your-seat thrills, vintage Will Smith & Martin Lawrence, and most importantly, a bloody good watch. One that doesn’t ever demand anything more from you aside from basic attention.
That, my friends, is the Bad Boys guarantee.
Get acquainted with Bad Boys: Ride or Die (or simply revisit it) on all digital platforms now and pick your favourite moment to join the Hall of Fame above.
This article is sponsored by Sony Pictures Australia. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Boss Hunting.
