BAD BOYS

(April 1995, U.S.)

First, a few encouraging words regarding Mr. Michael Bay. If you're looking for someone who's real good at blowing shit up, call Michael Bay. If you're looking for someone to produce a modern remake of a classic '70's horror film that's destined for critical failure, then Michael Bay is your man. On the other hand, if you're looking for a respectable filmmaker who takes his art even a little bit seriously, then look elsewhere...please!

Now that I've served as Michael Bay's poster boy, let me tell you why I actually like BAD BOYS. Seven words...Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are funny! These two are what save this film from being just your typical high-octance, excessively-violent, shoot-em-up, bang-up, action thrill ride with your typical (Miami) drug lords acting as the cliche enemy versus the good narcotics cops. Because when you can successfully incorporate snappy, punchy, fast-paced and funny dialogue to your traditional action movie, you have something a little more worthwhile. Smith and Lawrence are the funniest action, buddy-cop team I've seen since Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines in RUNNING SCARED (1986). They clearly know how to feed off of each other and use precise timing in their chemistry to create laughs in just the right places...just before Michael Bay starts to blow shit up!

Favorite line or dialogue:

Marcus Burnett: "Look, now I ain't no Wesley Snipes! I just hang out with stupid ass friends, that drive stupid ass cars, that attract a lot of mother fuckin' attention!"
Mike Lowrey: "You know what, I need to jump over this car and smack you in your peasy ass head that's what I need to do!"
Marcus: "Well, you know what you're arguin' over a mother fuckin' french fry!"
Mike: "It's not about the french fry, it's about your lack of respect for other people's property!"
White Carjacker: "Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!"
Black Carjacker: "Shut the fuck up!"
Marcus: "Hold the fuck on! (to Mike) You want some bad enough, come get some!"
(cops overtake car jackers)
Marcus (to black carjacker): "You like that shit? Wesley Snipes, Passenger 57! Now gimme a mother fuckin' handy wipe!"
Mike (to white carjacker): "Now let's hear one of those jokes, bitch."