Bad Boys for Life
Movie Trailer
Release Date
January 17, 2020
Genre
Action, Comedy, Crime
Cast & Crew
- Will Smith as Detective Mike Lowrey
- Martin Lawrence as Detective Marcus Burnett
- Vanessa Hudgens as Kelly
- Alexander Ludwig as Dorn
- Charles Melton as Rafe
- Paola Núñez as Rita
- Kate del Castillo as Isabel Aretas
- Jacob Scipio as Armando Aretas
- Joe Pantoliano as Captain Howard
Director
Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah
Other Movies Directors are Known For
- Black (2015)
- Gangsta (2018)
- Rebel (2022)
Producer
- Jerry Bruckheimer
- Will Smith
- Doug Belgrad
Writer
- Chris Bremner
- Peter Craig
- Joe Carnahan
Budget
$90 million
Production Company
- Columbia Pictures
- 2.0 Entertainment
- Overbrook Entertainment
- Jerry Bruckheimer Films
Running Time
124 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Strong violence and action
- Language throughout
- Some sexual references
- Drug content
Movie Story
Bad Boys for Life is the third installment in the popular Bad Boys franchise, reuniting Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as the iconic Miami detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. The film opens with Marcus considering retirement after the birth of his grandson, yearning for a quieter life. However, Mike, still thriving on the adrenaline of their dangerous profession, is reluctant to let go of his fast-paced lifestyle.
Their plans take a sharp turn when Mike is targeted in an assassination attempt by Armando Aretas (Jacob Scipio), a mysterious hitman with a personal vendetta. Armando is acting on orders from his mother, Isabel Aretas (Kate del Castillo), a ruthless crime boss seeking revenge for her husband’s death—a crime linked to Mike’s past. As Mike recovers from the near-fatal attack, he becomes obsessed with finding those responsible, dragging a hesitant Marcus back into the action.
The duo joins forces with the new AMMO (Advanced Miami Metro Operations) team, a group of young, tech-savvy cops led by Mike’s former flame, Rita (Paola Núñez). Together, they navigate a series of explosive encounters, high-speed chases, and intense shootouts as they uncover the truth about Armando’s identity and Isabel’s ultimate plan.
Bad Boys for Life balances its high-octane action with humor and heart, focusing on the deep bond between Mike and Marcus as they confront their mortality and the consequences of their past actions. The film brings a fresh energy to the franchise, blending the nostalgic appeal of the original films with modern action and a compelling narrative that delves into themes of family, loyalty, and redemption.
Special Effects
The special effects in Bad Boys for Life are explosive and high-energy, featuring spectacular car chases, shootouts, and hand-to-hand combat scenes. The film makes use of practical effects alongside CGI to create intense and visually impressive action sequences that are a hallmark of the Bad Boys franchise. The practical stunts, combined with sharp editing and dynamic camera work, deliver a visceral cinematic experience.
Box Office Performance
Bad Boys for Life was a massive box office success, grossing over $426 million worldwide. It became the highest-grossing film in the Bad Boys franchise and one of the top-grossing films of 2020. The film’s strong performance was driven by the star power of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, as well as positive word-of-mouth and critical reviews.
Filming Locations
- Miami, Florida, USA
- Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Mexico City, Mexico
Notable Quotes
- “We ride together, we die together. Bad Boys for life.” – Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett
- “I’m pulling this trigger. Not today.” – Marcus Burnett
- “There’s no such thing as too old for this s**t.” – Mike Lowrey
Behind-the-Scenes
Directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah brought a fresh perspective to the franchise while honoring the style and tone established by Michael Bay in the earlier films. The chemistry between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence was reignited, and much of the film’s humor and emotional depth came from their improvisational interactions. The movie’s success led to discussions of a potential fourth installment, solidifying the franchise’s legacy.
Awards
- Nominated for the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Action Movie
- Nominated for the Saturn Award for Best Action/Adventure Film
Final Verdict
Bad Boys for Life is a triumphant return for the beloved franchise, delivering the explosive action, sharp humor, and strong camaraderie that fans have come to expect. With engaging performances from its leads and a story that adds depth to the characters, the film is both a fitting continuation of the series and a satisfying action-comedy in its own right. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the franchise, Bad Boys for Life is an entertaining ride from start to finish.
IMDb Rating
6.6/10