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‘BAD BOYS FOR LIFE’ REVIEW: WORTH THE WAIT

Tina French

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Directors: Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah

Writers: Chris Bremner, Peter Craig, Joe Carnahan

Stars: Will Smith, Alexander Ludwig, Vanessa Hudgens, Martin Lawrence, Joe Pantoliano

Running Time: 2h 3m / Classification: Rated R


The third installment of the Bad Boys franchise just hit theaters worldwide and let’s just say, it’s been a long time coming!

The last time audiences followed the adventures of officers/ best friends Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) was in 2003 when Bad Boys II was released. Michael Bay directed that sequel which grossed $273 million worldwide.

Bad Boys For Life follows the duo as they reunite once again when a mysterious assassin (played by Jacob Scipio) murders multiple people involved in an old police case. Lowrey is also gunned down but he survives. After six months of hospital recovery, the officer is eager to find the man who put him there. Burnett is not on board at first. He vowed to leave his violent ways behind if his best friend pulls through. But when their beloved police captain takes a hit, uncle Mike and now pop pop Marcus (his daughter gives birth to a boy in an earlier scene, and Reggie is the father!) team up one last time to put end to the wave of homicides and to take down whoever is responsible.

The film co-stars Vanessa HudgensAlexander Ludwig, Charles Melton, Paola NúñezKate del CastilloNicky Jam, Bianca Bethune and Joe Pantoliano.

The chemistry between Smith and Lawrence is undeniable and carries a lot of the movie. Their sense of humor and special bond translates well through their characters. All of it feels authentic. The jokes are not overexaggerated or forced, just enough to make you enjoy them. You will laugh at them trolling each other and will be touched by their I-always-got-your-back-type friendship.

The action sequences in this latest installment are more lucid than in its predecessors. Slashed throats, bullets penetrating torsos, point-blank shots to the face – directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah (who are best known for directing the TV series Snowfall) did not hold back. Demolished buildings, burning helicopters, shoot outs, explosions, high-speed car chases – action junkies will be satisfied.

At some point in the movie, the Bad Boys team up with a younger, elite team called AMMO (which stands for Advanced Miami Metro Operations). The tech-savvy youngsters are clearly juxtaposed to Lowrey and Burnett who are used to handling things the old way. Their constant clashing finds its resolve when the agents face the mastermind behind the series of killings. Her name is Isabel Aretas (played by Kate del Castillo) and she has a bone to pick with Lowrey. We learn that many years ago, even before the Bad Boys, Lowrey was on an undercover mission that resulted in him putting the “only woman he ever loved” (Isabel) in jail. And… here we are introduced to the plot twist (we will keep it a secret for now), which felt a bit forced but definitely a surprise. Its placement is kind of a necessary step to unveil the hidden secrets, evoke an emotional response on Lowrey’s part, and, ultimately, conclude the storyline (specifically, for Bad Boys For Life, not the entire franchise). The after-credit scene suggests there might be a Bad Boys 4 coming.

Bad Boys For Life is entertaining and action-packed. Its been 17 years but it’s like they never left! If you are a fan of Bad Boys and Bad Boys II, then you will enjoy this third (but apparently not final) installment.

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First Look at Aaron Pierre in Upcoming Netflix Thriller ‘Rebel Ridge’

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Netflix has unveiled the first-look images of its highly anticipated thriller, ‘Rebel Ridge,’ starring Aaron Pierre. The film is helmed by Jeremy Saulnier, best known for his work on ‘Green Room’ and ‘Hold the Dark.’

Rebel Ridge
Photo: Allyson Riggs/ Netflix

In ‘Rebel Ridge,’ Aaron Pierre takes on the role of Terry Richmond, an ex-Marine who finds himself embroiled in a web of small-town corruption. The film follows Terry as he attempts to post bail for his cousin, only to find himself in a violent standoff with the local police chief. The film promises to be a thrilling and action-packed ride, with a plot that explores themes of corruption, morality, and the lengths one man will go to protect his family.

Rebel Ridge
Photo: Allyson Riggs/ Netflix

The supporting cast of ‘Rebel Ridge’ includes a talented ensemble of actors, including Don Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, David Denman, Emory Cohen, Steve Zissis, Zsané Jhé, Dana Lee, and James Cromwell.

Rebel Ridge
Photo: Allyson Riggs/ Netflix

The production of ‘Rebel Ridge’ was not without its challenges. The film was initially set to star John Boyega, but he left the project mid-shoot due to family reasons. Aaron Pierre was then cast to replace Boyega, and the production resumed with Pierre taking on the lead role. “The very first moment I met with Aaron, the very first moment I read the script, which I read within minutes of it being sent to me, and I finished it in maybe 90 minutes, it was undeniable for me,” Saulnier shared in a statement.

‘Rebel Ridge’ is set to premiere on Netflix on September 6, 2024.

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Netflix Releases First Trailer For ‘The Deliverance’

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The Deliverance

The first trailer for Lee Daniels’ long-anticipated ‘The Deliverance’ has finally arrived. Inspired by a true story, the film will hit select theaters on August 16, 2024, before making its way to Netflix on August 30, 2024.

The Deliverance. Aunjanue Ellis as Reverend James. Cr. Matt Miller/Netflix ©2024

The trailer for ‘The Deliverance‘ opens with a haunting voiceover, setting the stage for the terrifying events ahead. We are introduced to Ebony Jackson (played by Andra Day), a struggling single mother who moves her family into a new home, hoping to start fresh. However, it quickly becomes apparent that something is not right in their new abode. Strange occurrences begin to plague the family, leading Ebony to seek help from a local preacher (Anthony B. Jenkins) and a social worker (Mo’Nique). As the trailer progresses, we witness the terrifying transformation of Ebony’s children, who become possessed by an unknown force.

The Deliverance. Andra Day as Ebony Jackson, Anthony B. Jenkins as Andre/ Cr. Matt Miller/Netflix ©2024

The star-studded cast includes Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Glenn Close, Anthony B. Jenkins, Miss Lawrence, Demi Singleton, Tasha Smith, Omar Epps, and Caleb McLaughlin.

The Deliverance. (L to R) Caleb McGlaughlin as Nate, Anthony B. Jenkins as Andre, and Mo’Nique as Cynthia Henry in The Deliverance. Cr. Aaron Ricketts/Netflix © 2024

The official synopsis reads, “Ebony Jackson, a struggling single mother fighting her personal demons, moves her family into a new home for a fresh start. But when strange occurrences inside the home raise the suspicions of Child Protective Services and threaten to tear the family apart, Ebony soon finds herself locked in a battle for her life and the souls of her children.”

The Deliverance‘ will hit select theaters on Aug. 16 and stream on Netflix on Aug. 30.

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Eddie Murphy’s daughter Bria Murphy Makes a Cameo in ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.’

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Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F

Eddie Murphy’s daughter Bria Murphy has made a memorable cameo in the latest installment of the Beverly Hills Cop franchise, ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.’ Bria, who is the oldest daughter of the iconic comedian and actor, plays a police officer who arrests her father’s character, Axel Foley, in the film.

‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’ marks the return of Murphy as the wisecracking Detroit detective Axel Foley, 30 years after the release of Beverly Hills Cop III. The film, directed by Mark Molloy, sees Foley back in Beverly Hills to help his estranged daughter, played by Taylour Paige, who is in trouble with some dangerous individuals.

Bria’s appearance in the film is a family affair, as her husband, Michael Xavier, also stars in the movie as a police officer.

Eddie Murphy, Bria Murphy, Michael Xavier, Nicole Murphy/ Photo: John Solano Photography

Eddie Murphy said his daughter’s role in the film was a surreal experience. In an interview, he shared that the scene where his son-in-law tases him in the neck was particularly memorable, especially since it happened shortly after his daughter’s wedding.

The movie, released on Netflix on July 3, 2024, has received mixed reviews. However, Eddie Murphy’s performance and his daughter’s cameo have been highlighted as some of the film’s most enjoyable moments.

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