Today’s quick review: Bad Boys II. Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) and Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) of the Miami Police Department are on the verge of the biggest bust of their careers, an enormous ecstasy shipment set to arrive in Miami. The only trouble is finding it: a series of bum leads throw them into danger with little to show for it. Their investigation is complicated by Syd (Gabrielle Union), Marcus’ sister, who is working undercover for the DEA.
Bad Boys II is an action movie from director Michael Bay. The sequel to the original Bad Boys, Bad Boys II takes the same action formula as its predecessor and delivers a much cleaner execution. Martin Lawrence and Will Smith return as Marcus and Mike, a pair of Miami cops who play fast and loose with the rules. Their banter provides the movie with a healthy dose of comedy and couples well with the film’s over-the-top action sequences.
Unlike its predecessor, Bad Boys II throws restraint out the window when it comes to action. Bad Boys slipped a few extra explosions into otherwise standard action sequences, but Bad Boys II indulges in sweeping camera shots, heavy ordnance, and destructive chase scenes. The film is generous with its action, and its action sequences are a natural fit with the tone of the movie in spite of their exaggerated nature.
The movie also refines the humor of the original, making better use of its two strong leads and the peculiar situations they find themselves in. After years of partnership with Mike, Marcus has finally had enough, deeming the stress and danger of their partnership not worth it. But their active investigation keeps him from walking away entirely, and the resulting tension gives the movie an excuse to crack jokes throughout.
With a strong leading duo, good comedy, and abundant action, Bad Boys II makes for an entertaining watch for any fan of the action genre. Its thrills and gags are cheap but well-executed, and the movie never takes itself too seriously. Bad Boys II is definitely worth a shot when you are in the mood for a bit of action, but skip it if you are looking for a realistic, deep, or subversive take on the genre.
6.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for being a solid and entertaining genre entry.