Bad Boys is a comedy team film with Will Smith as the straight guy and Martin Lawrence as the comic. The team almost reminds us of Abbott and Costello or even George and Gracie Allen, these guys are a comic team and cops in Miami.
The banter and comic intersessions at the heart of the film make the production, script and story enjoyable and fun to watch. The action is similar particularly the later scenes to others which we have all seen before.
The film opens as the two are racing around South Beach in Detective Lieutenant Michale “Mike” Lowrey’s (Will Smith) Porsche. At each turn Detective Lieutenant Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) objects to the excessive speed and dangerous angles and street crossings being performed by Mike’s driving. It’s almost like a tongue-in-cheek version of the opening of a 007 film.
Not only is Marcus attempting to slow down Mike, Captain Conrad Howard (Joe Pantoliano) the head of the unit is constantly attempting to bring the two into the fold of the process to be used by his unit.
The plot revolves around Isabel Aretas (Kate del Castillo) who is determined to kill those who have prosecuted drug dealers. She is after the prosecutor, judge and the cops involved in the capture and finding of guilt of those she cares about. The plot suggests the ability of a cartel leader in Mexico to remove the judge , etc., on a case in the US appear far too easy. It seems as though it happens in the United States as we have read it may happen in Mexico. The result of such an action who bring about a massive response from law enforcement. But it is just part of the plot here and it does lead us to a surprise at the climax and opens more comical lines for Martin Lawrence to deliver. Lawrence delivers them all very well.
In one situation Lawrence is forced to use his wife’s small fuel efficient car, which meant that the two crime fighters and macho men leave the hot Porsche and ride in the four door sedan used by a lady. During the time the car is in the hands of Lawrence and Smith a body falls on the roof or the car and nearly completely destroys the vehicle. As Smith returns to the car after a dangerous battle, Lawrence asks “Are you angry?” And Smith states, “Not half as angry as your wife is going to be when she sees this car”.
The music is worked in very well particularly when the two stars attempt to sing the lines. We are also treated to some very pleasant views of South Beach both during the day and at night when it is filled with neon.
These two guys are worth a look, and expect another film which is hinted about at the end.