Tonight on TV: poorly received upon release, this film starring Will Smith has become a cult

A first time for Will Smith and Michael Bay

In 1995, young Will Smith was a television and music star. He was in fact revealed with the series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airbroadcast since 1990 on NBC, and has released several successful R&B/Hip-Hop albums since 1987. But in the cinema he is still just a beginnerwith appearances in three films: Burst (1992), Made in America AND Six degrees of separation (1993). His casting Bad guysMichael Bay’s first feature film, will therefore change everything.

If Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) is an inveterate seducer, heir to a fortune and police officer by passion, his colleague and friend Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) is a tidy, married man and father of a family. Their friendship doesn’t stop them from adopting completely different methods. But the disappearance of a hundred kilos of heroin, stolen right from the premises of the Miami drug squad, will make them forget the concept of how to practice the profession and they will start chasing the thieves.

Very mixed reviews…

When he was released, Bad guys, Michael Bay’s first feature film, noted by producers Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer, was received rather poorly by critics. Main object of these cold returns: the lack of originality of the film, which offers nothing new compared to the buddy movie hits of the time, such as The lethal weapon. However, the complementarity of the police couple and the beautiful chemistry between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence – which Michael Bay, dissatisfied with the original script, leaves improvise -, is noticed and appreciated.

Despite his press note to 43% ON Rotten tomatoesBad Boys still appeals to the public and with its budget of 19 million dollars it grosses more than $140 million of recipes in the world. A great financial and, ultimately, popular success, which will push Michael Bay and Will Smith to the top of Hollywood.

…and a franchise to boot

For his part, Michael Bay continued the following year The rock, worn by Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery and considered by many to be his best film. It will be then Armageddon AND Pearl Harborreceived lukewarmly even by critics but box office hits. Among him, Will Smith stood out in 1996 independence Day then the following year in Men in black. His physical presence and humor wreak havoc and these two films gave him superstar status.

Both very busy, it was therefore necessary to wait a few years before meeting again Bad Boys 2published in 2003. Reception was unfavorable and Bad Boys 2 it was a smaller box office success than the first film. In fact, if it collects more revenue ($273 million of revenues worldwide), had a budget estimated at approx $150 million.

However, having become a cult franchise, with the Will Smith – Martin Lawrence duo still very popular, the film series continues Bad boys for life in 2020. And, surprise, this third film directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah is the first to receive generally positive reviews and sets the franchise’s box office record with $426.5 million cashed. The fourth film, Bad Boys 4directed once again by the directing duo and with the return of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, is expected for the June 5, 2024.

Not bad for a story that began in 1995 under fire from critics…

Source: Cine Serie

Ray

Ray Ortiz is a journalist at Gossipify, known for his coverage of trending news and current events. He is committed to providing readers with accurate and unbiased reporting, and is respected for his ability to keep readers informed on the latest news and issues.