Bad Boys

Pragmatically speaking, the first Bad Boys isn’t an exceptional picture in any way. More explosive, better written and filmed action pictures certainly exist; it’s just that very few of them can boast such a laid-back atmosphere. This is not yet Bay’s (high) standard either in terms of directing or pace, but maybe this is why the first Bad Boys is so pleasant. It is more reserved than his later pictures. It certainly has some problem areas, but overall it is simply the essence of cool. (13/08/2007)

Here, nostalgia still prevails, as this is a film that captivated me back in the late 90s, and I fell in love with the characters so wonderfully - meaning entertainingly - portrayed by Smith and Lawrence. It still endures - mainly because I enjoy buddy movies - although Bay's grandiose and melodramatic style is just so apparent and so off-putting here. (27/04/2017)

Bad Boys, or else the directing debut of Michael Bay, a guy who if he filmed a pile of manure, it would look effective. Martin Lawrence and Will Smith in roles that fit them like a glove. Tchéky Karyo as the nicely slippery murderer with no morals who kills people for failing to brush their teeth after dinner. Excellent verbal exchanges are framed by sweet action sequences that will entertain you even on the worst day of your life. (21/11/2006)

Bay was already showing a fair amount of talent for action movies with his first feature. He combines humorous and action elements, and both are pretty decent. Even though the bad guy is really gay. The only minor problem I see is the imbalance of the comedic passages with the action. It could have used more ammo, imho. But it's a fact that this is just a setup for a monumental sequel. (08/02/2010)

Nowadays, perhaps a classic that is always guaranteed to entertain. Smith is likeable and a great actor on top of that, and Lawrence again proved to me that when he gets a proper role in a proper film, he can handle it perfectly. I understand some of the negative reactions (especially from those who hate Lawrence), but for me personally, Bad Boys is an example of a perfectly balanced and entertaining action comedy. 75% (29/12/2012)