“Bad Boys For Life” Review by Stephanie Chapman
February 3, 2020 3:18 pm |
Written by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, and starring Will Smith reprising his role as Mike Lowrey and Martin Lawrence returning as Marcus Burnett. “Bad Boys For Life” is the third installment of a franchise that we didn’t know we wanted but certainly needed.
“Bad Boys For Life” focuses on Detectives Lowrey and Burnett as they reflect on their many years on the Miami Police Department. Burnett is contemplating retirement and Lowrey’s focus is continuing to live his life doing what he does best, fighting crime.
As they look to go their separate ways, a crime wave hits Miami that puts their fellow officers lives on the line. They both must make the hard choice to continue a partnership that Lowrey believes is strong enough to withstand what lies ahead. However, Burnett understands that he is aging and personal responsibilities cause him to reflect on what is important. As their fellow officers lives (and their own) are put in clear and present danger, decisions must be made.
The jokes are plentiful and although they don’t always land, the chemistry between the partners is endearing and at times emotional. The friendship between Smith and Lawrence can be felt throughout the film and their comfort with each other on screen can light up a theatre.
With the return of Joe Pantoliano as “Captain Howard” and the addition of “AMMO” a young squad of officers trained in covert missions, this film gives itself enough ammunition to fire comedy, action and suspense at the audience without missing a beat.
The addition of antagonists “Isabel Aretas” (played by Kate del Castillo), and “Armando Aretas” played by (Jacob Scipio) helps increase the stakes of the plot that can at times feel a bit recycled or stale. They bring vengeance, violence and fear which helps break up the monotony of jokes that do not always land.
Audiences may be disappointed with a backstory given to Detective Lowrey that at times feels contrived and a bit forced. Although it helps move the plot along, there are times where suspension of disbelief is required of the audience a few to many times, which might diminish their investment in the outcome of the story.
Overall this movie is a must see. Do not take your preconceived notions of trilogies into this film. It still feels fresh and will certainly make you laugh, shriek and even cry. Bad Boys For Life does not disappoint.
PCL Rating: High Taste It
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: FRESH 🍅
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Tags: Bad Boys For Life 2020, Martin Lawrence, movie review, pop culture leftovers, Stephanie Chapman, Will Smith
Categorised in: Movie Reviews
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