BAD BOYS FOR LIFE
Put your brain on hold and savor another wild joyride with Lowrey and Burnett. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence were an
inspired teaming in 1995 and this third adventure is a welcomed treat. Michael Bay, who directed the first two entries in the series, is replaced here by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah. These directors also love explosions and even provide Bay with a cameo. The pace is frenetic with witty discourse along the way. The story by Peter Craig and Joe Carnahan, getting screenplay help from Chris Bremner, is a slight upgrade of the standard revenge plot - taking the audience from Miami to Mexico City. There are twists (one I didn't see coming) and surprises. Without giving anything away, a big difference is how dark the plot gets. But comedy exists and a few tears will be shed. Returning with the two stars is Joe Pantoliano as their harried boss, Captain Howard. An elite unit of cops called AMMO is added to bring youth to the supporting cast. Paola Nuñez, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig and Charles Melton portray the team members. An element of danger is present thanks to Kate del Castillo and Jacob Scipio as a former Mexican cartel leader and her lethal son. The music world's DJ Khaled appears briefly as Manny the Butcher. This film is far from perfect. Several action sequences, at least one in slow-motion, are shot close-up and it's difficult to tell what's happening to whom. Some awkward moments don't help and the script is muddled at times. Stay for a couple of scenes during the closing credits. Is the popular theme song included? For sure. There's enough fun here to keep these entertaining Bad Boys around for life. (3/5 CAMS)
Rated R (for strong bloody violence, language throughout, sexual references and brief drug use)
Running Time: 123 minutes
