How ‘Bad Boys for Life’ Teaches Us Camaraderie 17 Years Later

Martin Lawrence and Will Smith attend the Premiere of Gemini Man at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood

photo credit: Rachel Murray / Getty Images

Bad Boys, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, have been riding together since 1995.

The comedic-duo reunited for the third installment of the Bad Boys franchise, and needless to say- they did not disappoint. Bad Boys for Life premiered in theaters on Jan. 17 and already slated the second highest MLK weekend opening, ever.

It’s clear that fans and critics alike were excited to see Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett to join forces again. The open scene is action packed as Will Smith’s Mike Lowrey is whipping a Porsche at full speed, while Martin Lawrence’s Marcus Burnett is in the front seat is holding on for dear life. It’s been 17 years since “Bad Boys II,” so it was no-telling which crime the duo were rushing to fight, but sure enough- they were in a hurry to arrive at the hospital Marcus’ grandson was born. The opening scene set the tone for the rest of the movies, as the aging duo is not the same young and tender Bad Boys we grew to love, they’re a little more seasoned now.

Throughout the movie, Marcus is ready to hang his badge up, and enjoy retirement with his family and new grandson- while Mike is ready to ride to the wheels fall off, literally.

The franchise takes an unexpected turn as the untouchable Mike Lowery is struck by the son of a drug cartel matriarch. As a result, Mike is on a mission to take down the assassin. A very resistant Marcus refuses to put his badge back to use, until one of the Bad Boy franchise beloved characters is shot and killed (no spoilers). Marcus and Mike team up one last time to do what they do best.

Bad Boys is arguably one of the greatest action movies in history, and the third installment surely lives up to the hype.  Bad Boys for Life takes you through every emotion.  It upsets you, it tugs at your heartstrings, it gives you a sense of nostalgia and not mention, you’ll be laughing out loud the whole entire movie. Most importantly, a lesson to be learned from Mike and  Marcus- to rise at the face of adversity, and ultimately to.. ride together, and die together. 

Have you seen BBFL yet? Let us know your thoughts on the movie.