Ghosts are a hard thing to shake. As much as we try to fictionalize the skeletons in our closet, they exist. We’ve all done things we wish we hadn’t done. We’ve said things we wish we wouldn’t have said. We’ve hurt people we wish we wouldn’t have hurt. As much as it sucks to think about or even to say aloud, its those types of skeletons that help relationships grow. Sometimes along the way relationships can be sacrifice – due to said skeletons. Regret is something that all of us know probably a lot better than we all want to. It’s scary because it knows us when we’re most vulnerable. When I started writing this review, reflecting on Mike Lowrey’s journey throughout the course of Bad Boys For Life – and I promise I will get to that – but I’m reflecting on the start of the journey that brought me to this place right now.

Whether you listen to the podcast, you were curious on our thoughts on this movie or are a new reader or listener – my journey started out of regret. I had lost a friend to suicide when I was 17. Every day, for nearly a year, after his death I asked myself one question. What could I have, personally said or done, to make him stay? It’s that heavy burden of regret that placed me on a path to help others know of their value and worth. To know that hope is possible, and resources are always available. As cliché as it is to say, suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. I can’t speak into every problem that brings an individual to suicide or depression. I can provide options for another and better path, though. Our resources (click here) come in both general and niche sizes. I also know that because six months before I lost Adam to suicide – I contemplated it myself. Ghosts come us for us all.

Mike Lowrey found that out the hard way in the Bad Boys threequel – Bad Boys for Life. After a 17 year wait, Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) return for one last ride. A ghost from Mike’s past emerges to exact revenge upon the detective. For the first time within the trilogy, Mike and Marcus aren’t hunting down a two-dimensional genre trope of a drug dealer. Rather, instead, echoing the theme of intimacy throughout the course of the film. Even from the opening moments, this theme is directly established. The antagonistic element of its predecessors has always been the weakest factor in the trilogy. Here, however, the slow burn reveal of the true villain makes this refreshing for a number of reasons. For one, it makes the ending more impactful with the decent sized twist. For two, villains who believe themselves the heroes are always more effective in the long run. After a series of cliché villains, we get a great villain in this one.

One of the things that has always made this trilogy, so amazing as its been its core chemistry between Smith and Lawrence. Even more than that, is the way in which each film has deepen these characters. The first film saw Smith as a rich playboy. While Lawrence was the married man, just seeking “quality time” from his wife. While its sequel, sought to make Smith drift towards love with Gabrielle Union. Likewise, Lawrence also sought out the sanctity of his own mental health – after years of being partnered with a loose canon like Smith. This one pushes those even further with Smith and Lawrence entering the next stage of their lives. This narrative tactic is a small detail that helps ground the film in realism but also helps these characters stay refreshing and grow from film to film. The chemistry between the two continue to grow with new jokes, action and the same chemistry that we have come to love from these movies.

Though, this movie feels visually different from the previous two entries. Michael Bay is notably absent for this last ride. The absence of Bay takes the remarkable nature of its predecessors out and creates it a bit of dull,visual experience. Though, it’s a minor complaint to make about the film. It’s one of the only issues the film carries. The action and jokes are strong as its brothers. Though, this one carries with it a surprising amount of depth that has been absent from the others. With that depth, the score from Lorne Balfe stands out a bit more. Honestly, this film hit me a bit deeper than I ever extended to get cut from an action movie. Bad Boys for Life feels refreshing in that aspect. That this trilogy has grown from two dudes hunting down drug lords into something that can trigger a wide range of emotions.

Overall, Bad Boys for Life, is everything you wanted and more from this long-awaited next chapter in the Marcus Burnett and Mike Lowrey saga. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are better than they’ve ever been in this fun, action-packed and emotional journey. The two face off against the trilogy’s strongest villain to date. Bad Boys feels refreshing in a number of fronts, outside of its antagonistic element. The film brings to light a surprising amount of depth that hasn’t been brought to the franchise. Notably absent is the visual experience that Michael Bay brought to the table in the first two installments. This one is visually a bit dull but the story is stronger, the action is tighter and the comedy is funnier. Ride together, die together because Bad Boys For Life is the strongest yet.

RORSCACH RATING:

And more importantly, if you or someone you know is struggling with suicide, addiction, self-harm or depression - please free feel to reach out. Use any of our resources, call the suicide lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or text 741-741.

Music by Beggars. Bad Boys For Life is property of Columbia Pictures and Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Productions. We do not own nor claim any rights.