Bad Boys II (4 Stars)

I can't believe I've waited so long to watch this film. My excuse was an irrational aversion to Will Smith as an actor, which now seems like a pretty dumb excuse. What's wrong with his acting? Absolutely nothing!

"Bad Boys II" was made in 2003, eight years after the first film. The plot is more complicated, and the action is more over-the-top. Mike Lowery and Marcus Burnett are still partners, and they still work for the narcotics division of the Miami Police Department. A new character is Marcus' younger sister Syd, who works for the DEA. The local police and the DEA get in one another's way due to lack of communication. They're both pursuing the same criminal gang, but they don't realise it at first. Mike and Marcus are trying to investigate the influx of ecstasy into Miami, while the DEA already knows who the supplier is and is looking for proof to make an arrest.

It isn't just about selling drugs. The Cuban drug lord Johnny Tapia is trying to take over the Miami underworld by putting the Russian Mafia out of business. Syd is working undercover as a money launderer for the Russian Mafia, but she changes sides to work for Johnny when she realises that the Russians are on their way out.

The film has been criticised by many critics for its over-complex plot. I understand the criticism, but I disagree. You just have to pay attention if you want to know who's shooting who. The car chase alone is worth the price of the film. Eight minutes of pure chaos.

All films profit from having a beautiful woman, and Gabrielle Union adds the glamour to "Bad Boys II" as Syd. To Mike she's a red hot woman that he wants to date, but to Marcus she's just his little sister. The budding relationship between Mike and Syd is kept secret because Marcus would never allow it. Marcus considers Mike to be a disgusting womaniser. He's probably just jealous because he's settled down into married life too soon.

This is a crazy film, and I'll get round to watching it again, eventually. Probably shortly before the third film in the series is released next year.

Success Rate:  + 0.1

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