By Jonathan Marsh

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

When Bad Boys for Life (2020) revitalized the franchise with a perfect blend of nostalgia and fresh energy, fans wondered if Will Smith and Martin Lawrence could—or should—return for another ride. Five years later, Bad Boys 5 (2025) answers that question with a resounding hell yes. Directed once again by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah (who helmed Bad Boys for Life before their brief Batgirl detour), this fifth installment is a thunderous, emotionally charged finale that delivers everything fans love about the series while pushing Mike Lowrey (Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Lawrence) into uncharted territory

A Franchise That Refuses to Slow Down

The Bad Boys series has always been defined by its explosive action, razor-sharp banter, and the undeniable chemistry between its leads. Bad Boys 5 doesn’t just maintain that legacy—it amplifies it. The film opens with a jaw-dropping set piece in downtown Miami, where Mike and Marcus, now officially back as partners despite their “retirement” in Bad Boys for Life, chase down a high-tech arms dealer in a sequence that rivals Mission: Impossible in sheer audacity. The directors have clearly taken notes from their time in the superhero world, as the action here is bigger, bolder, and more visually inventive than ever.

But what sets Bad Boys 5 apart from its predecessors is its willingness to slow down just enough to let the characters breathe. Mike, still the reckless adrenaline junkie, is forced to confront his mortality after a near-fatal injury, while Marcus—now a grandfather—grapples with whether he’s truly cut out for this life anymore. The script, penned by Chris Bremner (who co-wrote Bad Boys for Life), smartly balances the franchise’s trademark humor with genuine pathos, making this the most emotionally resonant entry since the original 1995 film.

Villains, New and Old

Every Bad Boys movie needs a larger-than-life antagonist, and Bad Boys 5 delivers in spades. This time, the threat is personal: the return of Captain Howard’s (Joe Pantoliano) long-lost son, Daniel (played with chilling intensity by The Bear’s Ebon Moss-Bachrach), who blames Mike for his father’s death and seeks vengeance by dismantling everything the Bad Boys hold dear. Moss-Bachrach brings a quiet, calculating menace to the role, a stark contrast to the over-the-top villains of previous films. His vendetta forces Mike to reckon with his past mistakes in a way that feels fresh for the franchise.

Meanwhile, the ever-reliable Paola Núñez returns as Rita, now the Miami PD chief, who finds herself torn between her duty and her loyalty to Mike and Marcus. Vanessa Hudgens and Alexander Ludwig also reprise their roles as the tech-savvy AMMO team, though their screen time is wisely kept minimal to keep the focus on the central duo.

Action That Pushes Boundaries

If Bad Boys for Life proved that the franchise could evolve with modern action filmmaking, Bad Boys 5 cements it as one of the best in the genre. The set pieces are staggering—a mid-film heist sequence set during a Miami hurricane is an instant classic, blending practical stunts with seamless CGI to create a white-knuckle thrill ride. Another standout is a brutal hand-to-hand fight in a collapsing high-rise, where Mike and Daniel trade blows while glass shatters around them.

But the crown jewel is the climactic chase through Miami’s neon-lit streets, featuring a muscle car duel that pays homage to Bad Boys II while upping the ante tenfold. The directors’ signature use of vibrant colors and dynamic camera work ensures that every explosion and gunfight feels visceral.

The Heart of the Franchise: Smith & Lawrence

None of this would matter if Smith and Lawrence didn’t still have that magic—and thankfully, they do. Smith, fresh off his Oscar win for King Richard, brings a newfound gravitas to Mike, who is more vulnerable here than ever before. His chemistry with Lawrence remains electric, and their banter—whether arguing about Marcus’ newfound love of oat milk or debating whether they’re too old for this—lands every time.

Lawrence, meanwhile, steals the show once again. Marcus’ arc in this film—struggling with retirement, family obligations, and his loyalty to Mike—gives the comedian some of his most dramatic moments in the series. A late-film monologue where he admits his fear of losing Mike is delivered with such raw sincerity that it might just be the franchise’s best scene.

A Fitting Sendoff?

Bad Boys 5 is billed as the final chapter, and it certainly feels like one. The film’s last act is packed with callbacks to the entire series, from a surprise return of a fan-favorite character (no spoilers!) to a final shot that mirrors the original film’s iconic ending. If this is truly the end, it’s a near-perfect conclusion—one that honors the past while giving these beloved characters the closure they deserve.

That said, the film isn’t flawless. Some plot twists feel a bit contrived, and a subplot involving a young rookie (played by Euphoria’s Dominic Fike) doesn’t quite land. But these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise a masterclass in blockbuster filmmaking.

Final Verdict

Bad Boys 5 is everything fans could want from a finale—bigger, bolder, and more emotional than ever. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of Smith and Lawrence’s partnership, and proof that even after 30 years, the Bad Boys franchise still has gas in the tank. Whether this is truly the end or just another pit stop, one thing’s for sure: Mike and Marcus go out with a bang.

4.5/5 – A near-perfect sendoff for cinema’s most iconic cop duo.