The Gang’s Back — But So Are Their Troubles
DreamWorks Animation returns with The Bad Guys 2, a slick, action-packed sequel that sees its lovable crew of reformed animal criminals face a tougher challenge than robbing banks: earning society’s trust. With vibrant visuals, punchy humor, and chaotic energy, the film offers an entertaining ride, especially for kids — but struggles to match the original’s emotional weight and clever moral dilemmas.
Story: A Heist to Save Reputations, Not Just Riches
After deciding to leave their life of crime behind in The Bad Guys (2022), Mr. Wolf and his team are trying hard to live an honest life. But their criminal past follows them everywhere — employers reject them, the public distrusts them, and even the police remain skeptical.
Things spiral when a string of high-profile thefts is blamed on them. The real culprits? A trio of new villains led by Kitty Kat, a sharp-clawed snow leopard with a taste for power. To clear their names, the Bad Guys must pull off one final heist — a space-bound mission involving a tech mogul, a rare element called MacGuffinite, and a dangerous ultimatum that could destroy their second shot at redemption.
Characters: Charm Still Intact, Even When the Plot Isn’t
The original voice cast returns in top form:
- Sam Rockwell oozes charisma as Mr. Wolf, balancing charm with frustration.
- Marc Maron’s Mr. Snake, now a smoothie-loving yoga enthusiast, provides dry wit and surprising heart.
- Awkwafina, Craig Robinson, and Anthony Ramos bring zany energy as Ms. Tarantula, Mr. Shark, and Mr. Piranha, respectively.
The newcomers — voiced by Danielle Brooks, Natasha Lyonne, and Maria Bakalova — inject danger, humor, and unpredictability, though they push the tone a bit darker than the original. Zazie Beetz’s Diane returns with a subplot that ties romance and redemption neatly together.
Themes: Redemption vs. Reputation
If the first film asked, “Can bad guys go good?”, this sequel asks, “Will anyone believe it if they do?”
This moral tension lingers throughout, with moments of introspection (“Why be good if no one cares?”) and a clear distinction between fear and respect. But while these ideas are present, they’re often drowned out by wild set pieces and genre parodies — including a Mexican wrestling match, a chaotic wedding, and a rocket hijack.
Still, the film touches on valuable lessons for young viewers: earning trust takes time, respect must be earned, and doing the right thing isn’t always easy.
Animation & Humor: Stylish, Loud, and Looney-Tunes Fun
From moonlit cityscapes to high-octane chase scenes, the animation is top-notch. Movement is fluid, textures are richly detailed, and visual gags — like fart-powered escapes or Shark in disguise again — land well with kids.
The humor skews a bit edgier this time. There are cheeky one-liners, romantic innuendo, and a few borderline crude moments. While most of it stays within PG territory, some families might find it less suitable for very young viewers.
Weak Spots: More Action, Less Emotion
Where The Bad Guys cleverly balanced slapstick with themes of identity and acceptance, the sequel trades that balance for bombast. The fast pacing leaves little room for quieter, reflective moments, and the shift toward sci-fi territory feels overstuffed and less grounded.
Verdict: Still Fun — But More Noise Than Nuance
The Bad Guys 2 is a visually exciting and high-energy sequel that brings back everything fans enjoyed about the first — minus some of its heart. While the plot might be chaotic and the themes less explored, it remains a fun watch for families and kids who love animated adventure with attitude.
Bullseye Rating:★★★½ (3.5/5 stars)
The Bad Guys 2 is a fast-paced animated sequel full of humor, slick visuals, and lovable rogues, though it sacrifices the emotional depth and sharp writing of its predecessor.
Currently in theatres.