Bad Boys For Life
BAD BOYS FOR LIFE - SONY
Directing duo Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah bring this 90’s action franchise back to life with a relatively strong third entry after seventeen years of development hell. Franchiser helmer and ultra action connoisseur Michael Bay neither directs nor produces this outing. Alas, much of the original cast — such as Will Smith and Martin Lawrence — return, in what has been proposed as the supposed finality to the odd-coupling to the Bad Boys saga.
The first thing to note right from the get-go is that Bad Boys For Life is not as brash and visually commanding as its predecessors, lacking considerably in the department of visual flair that was apparent in Bad Boys II. The franchise defining slow-motion swirl moments are here in full force but instead of retreading the same old steps, directors El Arbi and Fallah — along with Robrecht Heyvaert — craft their own individuality with a surrounding comedic basis, not the overly serious tone from previous instalments. Rinse and repeat: that ultimately defines the aesthetic for this third instalment. Thankfully, it is never flat or tiring, quite the opposite in fact, but it does not hold the intention of an action spectacle these features have been known for.
The lack of Bay-isms is both a positive and negative. In one way, the absence of this overly action-esque sentiment crafts a more appealing and engaging tone, fit for all. On the flip side, the bravado and gravitas are often replaced with a far too concerned comedic prowess. More often than not, this comedic underbelly lands with a robust emotional sentiment to go with it, mostly referring to the core dynamic between leads Smith and Lawrence.
BAD BOYS FOR LIFE - SONY
Lawrence takes on a terrific thematic weight this time around with the character’s comedic sensibility, as well as dramatic range, thematically continuing with his character’s conscience in the predeceasing film. The franchise manages to grow and evolve the relationship between these two characters in both an authentic and engaging manner. Smith plays it straight with the actor, depending primarily on his charisma and charm. Nevertheless, there are a few subplots here implemented to flesh the character out. While said arc feels incredibly left field and obtuse, it does work well to craft an influential emotionally climactic last act.
Added supporting cast members of newcomers Alexander Ludwig, Vanessa Hudgens, Charles Melton and Paola Nuñez add intriguing layers and depth overall, not only to the central storyline but adding weight to the surrounding arcs of Smith and Lawrence regarding their characters‘ trajectories and emotional placements. There is nothing here that utterly changes the core lineage of where this film begins and ends, however, for the third film in a franchise it should be noted that there is purposive decision to grow still and evolve, never stifling and drowning in self-indulgence.
Yet in the same breath, with how the narrative has shaped this instalment — while fun and entertaining — the film does not quite live up to the hype of a franchise seventeen years in the making. Bad Boys For Life should somewhat be approached as an event film with everything thrown at the wall, hoping it sticks. Perhaps in the on and off love of the r-rated spectacle, SONY has chosen wisely to slightly tone the schlock down and wait for the box office returns. With a small post-credits scene involved, it is clear that the studio has a card hiding under their sleeve.
BAD BOYS FOR LIFE is released January 17th 2020
