Bad Boys: Ride or Die - Captain Howard's Return & Epic Conspiracy!

The Bad Boys franchise is back with another exciting installment! Bad Boys: Ride or Die gives fans another wild ride but with a unique twist!

Captain Howard's Death Revisited

This action-comedy series starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, brought back a familiar face, Joe Pantoliano, as Captain Howard, despite his death in the previous film, Bad Boys for Life. This isn't some ordinary return! What really sets this movie apart, is the rewriting of the motivations behind his shocking death!

Initially in Bad Boys for Life, it appeared that Howard's murder was simple revenge by Armando (Jacob Scipio) and his mother. It turns out there was a bigger conspiracy. The truth, uncovered in Ride or Die, involved an even bigger threat - a dangerous link between cartels, police, and the FBI!

Also Read: From All 4 Bad Boys Movies, How Much Did Will Smith & Martin Lawrence Make?

The New Motive

(Will Smith as Mike Lowre and Martin Lawrence as Marcus Burnett from Bad Boys Ride or Die Image

The truth about Howard's death brought more meaning. This wasn't some random attack!

Ride or Die revealed a complex plot that even touched upon the storyline from Bad Boys II!

Captain Howard was investigating corruption between drug cartels, police, and the FBI.
Howard's investigation, which was meant to bring some justice ended badly.
He was uncovering major, important ties all the way up to James McGrath (played by Eric Dane) , who happened to be a former DEA agent working with cartels to bring huge amounts of drugs into America in a major Faustian bargain!

McGrath and even Johnny Tapia (Jordi Molla) who was the big bad guy in Bad Boys II are tied to all the bad guys.

So the death of Howard served to remove someone from stopping this incredible evil enterprise!

Also Read: Why Theresa Randle Was Recast for Bad Boys: Ride Or Die - Examining the Backstage Scenes

Howard's Legacy

Bad Boys Captain Howard Joe Pantoliano Image

While Captain Howard is gone, Pantoliano comes back in another, powerful way via video messages he had previously recorded!

It shows what really happened to Mike (Smith) and Marcus (Lawrence) as they look to bring some closure but discover some more challenges as they uncover even more problems.

Ride or Die is packed with hilarious moments and even uses these messages to bring Howard's words to life, shaping Mike's and Marcus' choices and reminding audiences of the impact Howard made even as he was no longer living! The ending brings the emotional intensity! While also showing how Mike processes the impact and makes choices.

Also Read: Story Borrows From "The Fugitive" Sequel Mostly From Bad Boys 4 Here's How.

Impact of Howard's Death

Joe Pantoliano as Captain Howard posthumously speaking into a video in Bad Boys 4 Image

It appears the ending was intentional. To make a powerful story Howard appears as something more than just a victim in this storyline!

His character also added emotional weight! And the "Bad Boys" series will not forget the sacrifice. There is this deeper level of complexity!

Howard's daughter Judy (Rhea Seehorn) also shows us the importance of honoring him.
Mike works to better his relationship with Armando, without blaming his son entirely.

Also Read: Hold up! Where is Charles Melton in 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die'?

Bad Boys Franchise Success

The series continues its dominance as this franchise's success has lasted for nearly three decades.

Take a look at these box office numbers!

Bad Boys (came out in 1995), which grossed over $141 million.
Bad Boys II (2003) broke many records making $273 million at the box office.
Bad Boys for Life was the 2020 hit with nearly $427 million
Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024), also an incredible success, generated more than $404 Million in the box office!

While there are plenty of other stats to focus on. There were certainly interesting criticisms!

Rotten Tomatoes gave Bad Boys a score of 43%
Bad Boys II sits at 24%
Bad Boys for Life got a higher score: 75%.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die received 65% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Despite the criticisms and surprises along the way. This special Bad Boys movie, gave fans what many did not expect. An incredibly hilarious storyline! This incredible comedy shows off what really makes Ride or Die so good, showing off an exciting time for Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, alongside Joe Pantoliano, even in this unexpected moment. There is always a chance for Bad Boys 5!