Iconic movie franchise - "Bad Boys" brings back Will Smith for a new installment.
At the European premiere of his new film "Bad Boys: Ride Or Die," actor Will Smith presses a red button. In a movie scene, the entire building would likely have been sent flying into the night sky. But at Berlin's Zoo Palast cinema, things remain standing. Instead, confetti cannons explode and sparks soar into the night sky.
It's been two years since the Oscar slap scandal that had viewers shocked. In Berlin, fans seem to have forgiven Smith not only for showering the venue with confetti but also for literature with autographs and selfies. Some ardent supporters even camped out in front of the barriers for several hours just to catch a glimpse of actor Will Smith and his co-star, Martin Lawrence.
The continuation of a beloved film series, "Bad Boys" with its protagonists as drug detectives in Miami, undoubtedly heightens the excitement at this event. The series was launched in the mid-90s featuring Smith and Lawrence. The first film, "Bad Boys - Hard Boys," was followed by two more films in 2003 and 2020. In "Ride Or Die," Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) unwittingly uncover a corruption scandal before being brought into a more complex conspiracy.
The atmosphere at the Zoo Palast is Miami-like, with the turquoise carpet and palm trees. This theme atrists perfectly fits the setting of the "Bad Boys" films - Florida's metropolitan city, where turquoise water meets jungle landscapes teeming with alligators. The filmmakers use this setting well, showcasing exciting fight scenes in a helicopter and in an exhibition hall, where neon colors and jelly bean explosions blur the air.
The plot of the film was greatly influenced by Miami, a city known for drug trafficking, violent crime, and corruption in the 70s and 80s. The death of former police chief Howard (Joe Pantoliano) leaves the trail leading to incriminating links with major drug cartels. Mike (Will Smith) and Marcus (Martin Lawrence) are determined to solve it, even if it threatens their own lives. In the turmoil, the duo commands wit and charm - all of which were fan-favorites since the 90s.
The two lead actors, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, have an established relationship with their roles. Martin Lawrence shares, "I like my character because I play a family man" in an interview. In contrast, Will Smith sees less resemblance between himself and his Miami police officer role, Mike Lowrey. He notes how the action-packed excitement differs from his private life. "Mike Lowrey is the type of guy I've always wanted to be," Will Smith tells dpa news agency, adding, "Yes, a bad boy. The cars, the clothes - it's all very different from who I am privately."
Before the 2022 Oscar Awards scandal, Will Smith was deemed a Hollywood staple and an influential actor. After the derogatory joke by event moderator Chris Rock about his wife Jada, Smith stormed the stage and assaulted him. He won his first Oscar for "King Richard" shortly afterward, apologizing for his violent act in his acceptance speech and on Instagram. The Academy imposed a 10-year ban on Smith from attending all events, and his film "Emancipation" was only released on a streaming platform.
"Bad Boys: Ride Or Die" is Smith's comeback project, leading back to the role that launched his career 30 years ago. This led to blockbusters such as "Independence Day" and "Men in Black."
Fans of "Bad Boys" films were extra eager as less than five years separates this third sequel from the last film. The wait time was 8 years for the second sequel, and it took a whopping 17 years for the third iteration. However, Hornswoggle on the prospect of a fifth film remains a secret. Joyously, Smith promises Berlin-based journalists, "We will make as many 'Bad Boys' films as you want to see!"
