Directors: Pierre Perifel, JP Sans
Writers: Yoni Brenner, Etan Cohen, Aaron Blabey
Stars: Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Craig Robinson
Synopsis: The Bad Guys are struggling to find trust and acceptance in their newly minted lives as Good Guys, when they are pulled out of retirement and forced to do “one last job” by an all-female squad of criminals.
Even though The Bad Guys 2 comes from Universal Pictures, after watching the first two films in this budding animated franchise, I’d say it’s the closest thing we’ve had to Looney Tunes in decades. The movies are packed with exaggerated slapstick and over-the-top physical comedy that’s genuinely hilarious. The visual gags are fast-paced, with snappy timing that echoes those classic cartoons.
Of course, there’s that signature mischief over malice—these characters may be “bad,” but they create an oddly delightful sense of chaos. Still, the film evolves with surprising emotional depth and heart, growing beyond simple cartoon antics. The Bad Guys 2 also happens to be a waggishly good time at the movies.
The last time we saw our favorite mischievous group of thieves, they had gone from being “bad” to oh-so-good. But while they’re still adjusting to their new reputations, living up to them has proven difficult. Take Mr. Wolf (Sam Rockwell), for example—he’s discovering that staying on the straight and narrow isn’t as easy as it looks. Working a nine-to-five job, he’s struggling to keep up with the bills, and the temptation of a quick fix through a life of crime begins to creep back in.
Joining him in his struggles are Mr. Snake (The Order’s Marc Maron), Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson), Ms. Tarantula (Jackpot!’s Awkwafina), and Mr. Piranha (Transformers: Rise of the Beast’s Anthony Ramos), who all grumble about feeling lost in this new life—though they know it’s better than their former scheming ways. Of course, the only way to get the gang back into something exciting is to pull a Michael Corleone: just when the Bad Guys thought they were out, they get pulled back in.
That’s because the group is framed. These once-proud criminals are forced back into the underworld of crime and misdemeanors. Their goal? To prove their innocence—and clear, uh, their good names.
Pierre Perifel returns to helm the film, directing his second feature—both animated entries in The Bad Guys franchise. The first was super cute and undeniably cool, and this sequel maintains that same zippy comedic tone, laced with just the right touch of darkness that made the original so enjoyable. The overall sight gags are noticeably improved, which is all you can really ask for in a sequel to a mildly recommendable animated original.
Of course, it helps when the script is from a pair of writers responsible for Idiocracy, Tropic Thunder, and the Rio franchise of animated films. That would be Etan Cohen and Yoni Brenner, who add the element of the “bad girls” to the equation. That includes the welcomed addition of voice talents like Danielle Brooks, Natasha Lyonne, and Maria Bakalova, who want the guys to pull off one final job.
The animation in The Bad Guys 2 is stunning, light years above anything Smurfs produced a couple of weeks ago. There is a vibrancy and kinetic energy to the effects that marry perfectly with the comedic style that will have you laughing out loud and constantly engaged. This animated comedy, perfect for adults and kids alike, offers a positive message about how doing the right thing is hard, but always worth it.
Sometimes, adults need to learn that, too.
You can watch The Bad Guys 2 only in theaters starting August 1st.
