If you are thinking of seeing the summer blockbuster hit, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die”, which was released on June 7, you should really know something about how the movie premiered here.
There were press tours, premieres, parties, and ticket sales are following and at a fast pace. At the center of it all was Miami.
“Welcome to Miami, Bienvenido a Miami,” said Only in Dade’s Carlos Hernandez at Silverspot Cinema in downtown where the new Bad Boys movie premiered.
Hernandez led the red carpet interview with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, the stars of the movie, joining in on singing Smith’s hit song “Miami,” a catchy glimpse into the vibes of the production.
The film’s multiple parts have been set in Miami, where two detectives adapt to the lifestyle through their lingo, fashion, hand to hand combat with people and even alligators. They embody the spirit of bad boys in an effort to take down a series of drug lords, shady business, and save their loved ones.
While not the first and only successful film in the series, this action and comedy packed “Bad Boy” film made sure to pull out all of its “Miamiest” tricks for their most recent film: from incorporating key aspects of the lifestyle like the fast cars and island-wear swagger to starring Miami’s sport superstars like Lionel Messi and Jimmy Butler.
The setting not only attracted the attention of the local residents, but also those not familiar with the city or its culture. Behind the scenes, production took to other locations, specifically Atlanta, to shoot more heated scenes like car chases, and shoot-outs. The urban street-style mimicked parts of the 305 showcasing the influence the culture has on outsiders.
The “Bad Boy” franchise has worked rather than just using Miami and the intricacies of its culture.
“For this movie coming to Miami is coming home,” said Smith on the Enrique Santos live radio show in Miami.
Keeping up with the vibes, Santos kick-started the interview with some cafecito Cubano that the three shared.
The film’s team worked hard to keep the city’s image alive on and off the screen. At each press appearance, the spanglish that the movie stars used, and the short-sleeve button-up and chino pants combo were only pieces to the grand strategy.
At Silverspot Cinema, the energy did not die down. For the Miami premiere, the stars carried themselves in the same Miami fashion: riding in a bright-blue sports car, sporting matching linen shirts and pants, and sharing the lively energy with the audience.
Celebrities and local fans came out to celebrate after the previous movie was a blockbuster hit, the anticipation for the fourth and most recent was built to an all time high. Fat Joe, DJ Khaled, El Alfa, Natti Natasha, and many more familiar faces came out to share their excitement for the film, its cast, and of course Miami.
“It’s a Miami vibe,” said Natti Natasha to Santos on the red carpet as she sums up the essence of the premiere: the bright outfits, the happy faces, and the stars.
Latin music is at the heart of the city. It is the spice that brings the community of english and spanish speaking and even spanglish speaking residents together. The cast themselves like Will Smith prove that you do not have to be fluent in Spanish to catch the Miami vibe.
With already four weeks out in theaters, the press appearances and the movie itself has not stepped out of the spotlight.
Miami, a city with the spotlight always on it, and the “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” film used its star perfectly.
