Bad Boys II

Very weak for Michael Bay’s standards, with tons of awkward dialogues that hinder an otherwise decently started storyline. The director covers up all the holes in the script with what he does best, breathtaking action. But even that has its flaws. The shootout at the intersection is practically a weaker copy of Mann's shootout outside the bank in Heat, with the same camera positions, the same shots, etc. Bay, of course, cuts much more disproportionately and the camera filters reduce the dose of reality to a minimum, but that's not the point here. Martin Lawrence is traditionally awkward, but we're already used to that. Annoyingly American crap. Movies like this won't make a great name for the current Hollywood film industry... (01/26/2006)

A depraved, vulgar, hyper-destructive fetish for “modern audiences”, filmed with a retarded screenplay on the table and ecstasy on the brain. Bad Boys II is funnier and more electrifying than Bad Boys, but it’s also dirtier, more hectic and more chaotic. That includes the action scenes, which are far from the elegance of those in The Rock, with the exception of the car chase on the bridges of Miami, which is one of the best in the genre. Joe Pantoliano cuts the most comical figure, though he is unfortunately given very little space. It’s also a shame about the unused potential of the Russian slimeball played by Peter Stormare. The main bad guy is OK. Overall, Bad Boys II is VERY funny and brisk in some places, and utterly dumb and dull entertainment in other places. Michael Bay unleashed and stripped of any sense of proportion. Woosa! Three and a half stars. (08/15/2003)

An almost abysmal difference from the entertaining and brisk first one. The characters of Lawrence and Smith may still have the same potential, but it’s hopelessly drowned in 150 minutes of repetitive, foul-mouthed dialogue that becomes irrevocably boring after a short while. Michael Bay seems to have gained a very high opinion of his work after the success of The Rock, and instead of continuing to make exclusively action-packed popcorn movies for the entertainment of the audience, he started betting everything on profit. Perhaps it’s paying off for him, but I'm not going to forgive him. 50% (06/09/2012)

I'm not a racist, but the Hollywood nigga-macho archetype is really getting on my nerves. And when the two come together, they get an arsenal of stupid catchphrases, designer clothes, and a flimsy story about drug dealers... Well, what's going to come of it? An incredibly simple film with great action sequences. I would like to narrow the film down to them, avoid unnecessary interludes and "humorous" speeches by both Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Two stars for Michael Bay's traditionally great direction, a thoroughbred edit and a colorful camera. Which, unfortunately, doesn't mean you can watch Bad Boys II with your brain online. (11/05/2005)

It's just a sequel. Bay wants to be even more spectacular, but he's basically just repeating himself. There are even more slow-motion shots, and even more technique, and it almost forgets about the main thing - camaraderie. But the lead duo thankfully saves the day and still has some bright and funny moments to win you over. (04/28/2017)