Bad Boys, Bad Boys, whatcha gonna doooooo?

You can't help but sing the song while waiting for the fourth installment of the film, "Bad Boys: Ride or Die."

This film was sooooo much better than the 3rd "Bad Boys for Life" film. This one felt like it took all of their past films in the franchise and tried to thread together the pieces to pull this one off and they did it. You just have to be good at recalling what happened all the way back to the 1990s and 2003. My memory ain't the greatest, but the film shows some flashbacks. I suggest re-watching the other films before heading to the theater. 

Here's the trailer for this one:

Here's the short version of the story:  

This time out, Mike and Marcus are working to redeem the good name of their beloved Captain Conrad Howard (Joe Pantoliano) who was killed in the last film, That quest sends the Bad Boys on the run and it has lots of action and hilarity ensues.

NOW, I was glad to see Will Smith back in his element as Mike Lowery and as a man that has finally settled his ass down. Marcus has a life changing experience and the comedy of that is a common thread through the film. One thing he believed is that it wasn't his time and that he had been here in another life along with Mike.

It was so good to see the fellas in their 50s taking on action scenes, falling prey to sweets, and holding each other down. It was also great to see Marcus' son Reggie take on a role that had the entire theater cheering for him all the way through the film. Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Núñez and Jacob Scipio are among those reprising their roles from Bad Boys for Life in the new film.

I was on edge the entire film, hoping they would solve the crimes, as if they wouldn't, and catch the bad boys. I was also glad to see Mike experiencing PTSD in a way that we can all relate, fight or flight or just freeze mode. It was refreshing to see that even in the toughest situations anybody can have a flashback and freeze up. 

It was also nice to see Mike's son, Armondo (Scipio) (who we all hated last film, but good lawd that man is fine.) He and Mike don't exactly see eye to eye but when they have a mission in common, they can put aside their differences, especially with Marcus being the Iyanla Vanzant of the trio. 

It was weird with a recast of Marcus Burnett's wife from Theresa Randle from the first 3 films and this one is Tasha Smith. I could tell she was trying to hold in her loud side, but it wasn't too off putting, but it was noticeable the change. 

El Abri and Fallah, billed as Adil & Bilall did a fabulous job directing it and treating the film like a video game sequence setting it up for what hopefully will be a franchise that rivals "The Fast & Furious." I really enjoyed this film and love seeing Martin and Will's chemistry and the shade they sling through the movie. This is one I'd watch again and again. 

The film hits theaters on June 7. Let me know what you think! 

~Meik