| Bad Boys II (2003) Rated R for Strong Violence and Action, Pervasive Language, Sexuality and Drug Content Director: Michael Bay Starring Martin Lawrence, Will Smith, Gabrielle Union, Jordi Molla, Peter Stormare, Theresa Randle, Henry Rollins, and Joe Pantoliano. Synopsis: "Narcotics police detectives, Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) and Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) head up a task force investigating the flow of ecstasy into Miami. Their search leads to a dangerous kingpin, Johnny Tapia (Jordi Molla), whose plan to control the city's drug traffic has touched off an underground war". When it comes to making a solid action comedy, it's definitely a hard task to pull off. First, you need a director that's capable of creating some great and exciting action sequences. But most importantly, if you're adding a "buddy movie" element to the film, you need a duo that will share a memorable chemistry and deliver many laughs. "Bad Boys II", the latest action film from mega-producer Jerry Bruckheimer, has it all and a little extra on the side. This film is the sequel to the original, box-office hit "Bad Boys", which was released in the spring of 1995. Eight years later, the team of Martin Lawrence and Will Smith are back for a second round of violence, profanity, gun fights, car chases, and laughs. In the first film, their chemisty worked out so well, and they were the ones who carried the film. There's no deny it, "Bad Boys" started their successful careers. Now, in "Bad Boys II", both Lawrence and Smith are even better this time around. They really up the ante here, in terms of their solid chemistry and humor. The chemistry is much more fun and memorable in this sequel, and the humor is downright, gut-busting hilarious. Just like in the original, Lawrence and Smith make "Bad Boys II" work extremely well. Michael Bay, who made his directing debut with the first film, returns once again to helm this sequel. If you've seen his other films, all of which have been produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, you know he loves to film anything that has to do with action and explosions. Bay is not a director that many have welcomed in open arms, it seems as if an overwhelming majority hate him. Granted, he is not a great director, but the man knows how to create some great, adrenaline-pumping, and exciting action sequences. If you need some proof, check out the original "Bad Boys", "The Rock", "Armageddon", and "Pearl Harbor". As for his directing in "Bad Boys II", if I may be totally honest, Bay has never been better. Personally, Bay out-did himself here with all the action. There are some truly incredible action sequences, which include one amazing and thrilling car chase. This sequence rivals, and perhaps, is just as good as the freeway chase in "The Matrix Reloaded" and the crane chase in "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines". In conclusion, the story of "Bad Boys II" does not deserve to be mentioned, for it's probably the least important aspect of the film. Now that I'm thinking about it, the film's story is less plausible than that of the first. But that's besides the point, since you don't pay to see a film of this nature for an intriguing concept and story. And if you're really looking for that, I'd highly recommend staying far, far away from this film. "Bad Boys II" is everything any die-hard action fanatic craves in his or her action film, this is nothing but two-and-half hours of sheer excitement, comedy, and entertainment. It took a long time to get "Bad Boys II" onto the silver screen, but it was certainly worth the wait. This is what the summer movie season is all about, so enjoy! Running Time: 2 hours 28 minutes Grade: 8/10 or **** out of ***** stars Strider |