Rating: 7.5/10
Review date: September 20, 2003
Narcotics detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) returns to the big screen and they�re even badder than their first adventure back in 1995. This time, they are in charge of arresting a Cuban drug lord that has been busy smuggling drugs and money in and out of the United States. A great time with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence ensues�
Michael Bay again proved that he is the king of action movies. This sequel is way better in every single way to his 1995 directorial debut (Bad Boys). The action is plenty and they�re so over-the-top that you can�t help but to be pulled into the maelstrom of flying bullets and huge explosions. The director also includes some cool slow-motion shots and stylish camera directing in addition to the great thump-thump music. Everything is just perfect with all the right ingredients for a great summer movie. Despite all that, I do feel that the movie was a bit too long at 147 minutes although it doesn�t affect me much.
There were times when I was asking myself whether I am watching another John Woo movie. Diehard action movie fans should agree with me on this one. There are plenty of memorable gun battles and a car chase scene on the freeway which includes a sleek looking Ferrari with plenty of cars being tossed around.
When the action is not there, the banter between the two lead characters simply crack me up big time. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are just hilarious; I love these guys!
Joe Pantoliano reprises his role as Captain Howard and his acting really convinces me of a very pissed-off police captain albeit being funny at the same time. Gabrielle Union as Sydney Burnett (Marcus� sister) carries herself well although her primary role is to replace Tea Leoni from the first movie as the compulsory eye candy.
The supporting casts are quite good with Jordi Molla as the ruthless drug lord, Johnny Tapia and a pair of Cuban cops, detectives Mateo Reyes (Yul Vazquez) and Marco Vargas (Jason Manuel Elazabal) providing occasional extra comic relief.
Bad Boys II features plenty of swearing (just like in its predecessor) and lots of violence which is topped by a high amount of body count as well as disregard to human lives. There are many ridiculous and unbelievable sequences as well but I digress since this is just a movie and this particular flick is not something to be taken seriously. This is what an action comedy should be like; I had a total blast watching this film thus I see no reason why you should not.
*Trivia*
Director Michael Bay has a cameo in this movie. Hint: he was driving a red car.
The motion sensors used in Johnny Tapia�s compound was also used by the terrorists in The Rock (1996), also directed by Michael Bay.
Memorable quote: �We ride together, we die together. Bad boys for life.�
-Will Smith as Detective Mike Lowrey-
(c) Martin Taidy 2003