Under the lens takes a deep look at films by focusing in on one or two particular areas of the picture that helped to define it for better or for worse. Spoilers will be included in this review.
Bad Boys For Life is an action-comedy starring Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, and series newcomers Vanessa Hudgens and Alexander Ludwig. Former series Director Micheal Bay has stepped back from the chair and Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah have taken over direction for the threequel. The narrative follower’s Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett in the twilight of their careers, they are forced back into the fast life when an assassin gravely wounds Mike and old secrets come to light as an enemy known as La Bruja seeks to kill the both of them.
Under The Lens: Action direction and chemistry/tone
Action Direction: Directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah are rather new to motion pictures, so I was a bit uneasy with them taking over an action spectacle and one so highly anticipated. These fears were quickly dispelled as they showed an adept hand at crafting dynamic and exciting action set pieces that leave viewers on the edge of their seats! From a machine gun fight on motorcycles, to hand to hand combat in a burning hotel, the action is seamless, the stakes high and the pace breathless.
Chemistry/tone: This picture comes almost two decades after the second installment, and sees Smith and Lawrence together on screen for the first time since they starred in Bad Boys II. From scene one it feels like last year we saw them, the timing of the humor and the chemistry between the two is palpable, and it honestly feels as if no time has passed. Many times in comedy due pictures, a pair can lose the rhythm and comedic timing, thankfully that is not the case here. The tone of the picture is different than the previous installments, but it is done well, from laugh out loud funny moments to tear-inducing drama, Bad Boys For Life, tugs at the heart and tries to hammer home how important faith and family are.
Highlights
The picture has some breathtaking views of the beach and ocean and works to make the viewer feel immersed in the locations.
The picture is one of the rare where the raunchy humor sparse but hilarious when used.
There is a very sweet depiction of faith by Martin Lawrence’s character. While many pictures make fun of faith, this one shows its strength.
Quotable Quotes
Detective Mike Lowrey: I’ve never trusted anybody but you. I’m asking you, man. Bad Boys, one last time?
Something to think about
The picture showcased two sides of faith, the compassionate and selfless path with Marcus Burnett and the vengeful path of La Bruja. Why do some take one path over another?
Conclusion
Overall Bad Boys For Life, is the rare third entry in a trilogy that is the best of them, the action is outstanding, the humor hilarious and the chemistry between the leads as strong as ever. The picture does introduce a group of young cops who are mostly used as a foil for our two heroes and to provide backup. The picture sadly does not develop these characters that much, and they almost feel like set up for a possible spin-off. Despite this Bad Boys For Life is a thrilling and fun throwback to the days of action picture excess, one best seen in a theater surrounded by a crowd who you can experience all the thrills laughs and heartfelt moments with.