The Bad Boys franchise has become a fan favorite amongst moviegoers since it launched back in 1995 with the Michael Bay-helmed first installment. With that, I’ve been awaiting details on the highly anticipated fourth installment in the series. Details have occasionally dropped in recent months but, now, we’ve been graced with the first official trailer for the flick. As you’d expect, it shows off more of the A+ on-screen chemistry between the lead actors – Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. However, after seeing the fresh footage, I’m more focused on the fact that a legacy character has surprisingly been integrated into the story.
What’s so fun about this Bad Boys: Ride or Die trailer is that it quickly drops viewers back into the rarely boring lives of veteran police officers Mike Lowery and Marcus Burnett. The opening scene is reminiscent of the prologue to 2020’s For Life, in which the two are racing to witness the birth of Marcus’ first grandchild. This time around, the two are dressed dapperly and seemingly headed for another event, when Burnett wants to stop to get a drink. Of course, while indulging in even more snacks at the store, he finds himself part of a hold-up. It’s great seeing Mike jump in to provide the assist, but it’s the banter the two share during what should be a tense moment that really makes this scene pop.
That aside, the most shocking reveal here is the return of the duo’s late boss, Captain Conrad Howard, who was killed by Mike’s illegitimate son in For Life. Howard’s legacy takes center stage here, as he’s been posthumously accused of collaborating with cartel bosses. WIth that, Joe Pantoliano reprises his role as Howard, who recorded messages for Marcus and Mike before his death. It would appear that these clips were intended to lead them towards the truth of his allegiances.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die is set to hit theaters on June 7 as part of the 2024 movie schedule. While you wait for its release, stream the first three installments using a Hulu subscription.
Source Agencies
