Synopsis:
In the new action comedy from DreamWorks Animation, based on the New York Times best-selling book series, a crackerjack criminal crew of animal outlaws are about to attempt their most challenging con yet—becoming model citizens.
People are not always what they appear to be or what you want them to be. If you’re someone who’s had a negative tag or stereotype unfairly placed upon you by society or your community just by existing, the urge to double down and become exactly what people expect can be tempting. However, that’s exactly what they want you to do so they can feel better about placing you in a category. In my experience, most people want to be good. Those that aren’t are usually a product of a hurt people hurt people upbringing. Nevertheless, you don’t have to live up to the expectations or succumb to the pressures, good or bad, that everyone has imposed on you. Just be yourself and if people don’t like you, that’s their issue. Unless yourself is a bad person, then probably go to therapy or something.
“Go bad or go home.”
When you’re guilty by design, all you need is an opportunity to show who you really are in order to prove that you’re not as scary as they think. Or you can just embrace the bad. The choice is yours. Ready for an outrageously fun and wild experience? Directed by Pierre Perifel and brought to you by DreamWorks Animation, The Bad Guys is a criminally good time. With a story that is more nuanced and layered than you’d expect, it only pales in comparison to the eye-grabbing and well-crafted animation. Based on the New York Times Bestselling Series of the same name, this hilarious heist of tooth, nail, webs, fur, and scales is fun for the whole family. With a wide range of characters with very distinct personalities and skills sets, you’re bound to have a favorite or two. Revolving around taking responsibility, friendship, and being underestimated, there are positive messages that can be ingested all throughout the film.
Feeling like an animated mash-up of Fast & Furious, Ocean’s Eleven, and Madagascar, it’s difficult not to be entertained on many levels. There is humor for both adults and children, however, I think those over twenty will get more overall enjoyment out of it. At its core, this assorted animal assemblage seems to symbolize the misrepresentation and misunderstanding of minority groups. Additionally, there is good inside everyone. No matter how surface-level or deep you look into the story, it remains entertaining. Now, the story has predictable aspects to it, but it’s not in a way that makes the story any less fun nor can you predict every detail or its twists and turns. The cast is very lively and does an impeccable job, the score is exciting, and as I said before, the animation is fantastic. My only real beef with the film is the slog in the middle. I was in a screening with other families, along with my own, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and I have no doubt that you will as well. Its rewatchability is medium-high.
Pacing & Pop
The pacing of the film began really well but around the middle of the second act, the story began to drag. The animation style is what really popped for me. It has a mixed media style and color palette that really sets it apart.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, Awkwafina, Richard Ayoade, Zazie Beetz, Lilly Singh, Alex Borstein
The chemistry in this film is unlike most animated outings. You can tell that the cast was able to play off of each other in person and it definitely pays off. Sam Rockwell as Mr. Wolf is a clear standout. He’s smooth, crafty, and has a plan for everything. He has a bigger heart than he knows. Mr. Snake (Marc Maron) is probably my favorite. He has the biggest chip on his makeshift shoulder and really embodies how I believe a snake would feel being viewed the way they are. His misanthropic curmudgeon attitude is humorous when paired with the more lighthearted demeanor of the others. We all knew Awkwafina was going to kill it as Ms. Tarantula. Craig Robinson’s Mr. Shark is the most playful and also the goofiest. The short and hotheaded Mr. Piranha probably generates the most universal and organic laughs. And the cat and mouse game between the gang and Police Chief Misty Luggins (Alex Borstein), is exactly what you want to see from this dynamic. Zazie Beetz is charming, sly, and quick on her feet as Diane Foxington. She’s also more than she appears to be. Richard Ayoade’s voice is perfect for Professor Marmalade. It perfectly suits everything that unfolds with the character.
The Bad Guys releases in theaters on April 22, 2022. Stay safe and enjoy.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Runtime: 1h 40m
Rated: PG
Director: Pierre Perifel
Writer: Etan Cohen
Based on: Books by Aaron Blabey
Producers: Damon Ross, p.g.a., Rebecca Huntley, p.g.a.
Executive Producers: Etan Cohen, Aaron Blabey, Patrick Hughes
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
