Overview: This Summer, the world’s favorite Bad Boys are back with their iconic mix of edge-of-your seat action and outrageous comedy but this time with a twist: Miami’s finest are now on the run.

Verdict: Surprise, surprise. In what may be a shocker, a nearly 30-year-old franchise may just jump start this summer’s dull movie box office. Where “The Fall Guy” and “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” disappointed, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” may ultimately succeed in delivering the success that’s eluded movie studios early in the season.

It’s not that “Ride or Die,” the fourth installment in the Will Smith-Martin Lawrence series, is particularly compelling. It’s more because it is very entertaining. It is pure action, escapist fare meant for audiences to check out for a couple of hours and forget everything outside of the theater. Mission accomplished.

It doesn’t hurt that Smith and Lawrence slip into their on-screen personas of Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett as easily as if they were a pair of well-worn Nikes. The chemistry has always been evident between the two as they play off one another with a comfort level not seen with most co-stars. Ultimately, that represents the strongest aspect of the series as a whole, but after so much time it would be easy to assume that chemistry has dissipated.

Not true in this case, as “Ride or Die” may be the strongest entry since the original back in 1995. Directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah put their stamp on the franchise with the third film after taking the mantle from Michael Bay (who makes a cameo), but with this one, their comfort level with their subject matter and stars shows in this tight, breezy effort.

With a script from Chris Bremner (“Bad Boys For Life”) and Will Beall (“Aquaman”), the film plays to that chemistry – the word play and the macho-fused affection between the two characters. It does so against the backdrop of jaw-dropping spectacle that explodes off the screen, but wisely acknowledges that these two dudes are now into their 50s and still playing superhero cops.

Is it believable? Not bloody likely. But it’s fun, and this time around, the original crew mostly returns – with a couple minor exceptions.

That includes Capt. Conrad Howard (Joe Pantoliano), who died in the last film. He returns via video to reveal that his death wasn’t exactly what it seemed back then, revealing that higher ups in the Miami Police Department are responsible and trusting Mike and Marcus to uncover it.

That leads them back into their past, including having to seek the help of Mike’s imprisoned son (Jacob Scipio) to lead them through a world not entirely familiar. Yes, it’s not going to be easy and there is significant explosive mayhem on the path to redemption. For those willing to come along for the ride, it’s a trip worth taking.