- Date of Release: 01 August 2025
- Genre: Comedy, Action, Adventure, Animation
- Language: English
- Watch On: Theatres Only
The Bad Guys 2
Introduction
One of the main reasons why the first film of the now ‘The Bad Guys’ franchise had worked, was its characterization. By introducing characters like the Wolf (Sam Rockwell), the Piranha (Anthony Ramos), the Snake (Marc Maron), the Shark (Craig Robinson) and the Tarantula (Awkwafina) as the ‘Bad Guys’, it was teasing the viewers into believing a popular notion about the traits of these animals, and the potential harm that they would cause. But over the course of that drama, you are acquainted with them to a point that you also buy in to their argument of turning themselves in by the end of the film, and thereby turning over a new leaf. It is a playful dichotomy that is presented to the viewers with respect to the characterization, only for the makers to flip the narrative in the new English film The Bad Guys 2. So suddenly, the bad guys are now the good guys even while teasing the viewers with a heist that takes place 5 years ago in the heart of Cairo wherein the gang actively smuggle the booty from a billionaire. It almost remains reminiscent of the biker gang from the Hindi film Dhoom (2003) that sees them maneuvering their vehicle to dodge the potential police threat, in a sequence that directly doubles up as a homage. This, before cutting into the now changed lives of the gang that continue to seek their new identity.
Story & Screenplay
One of the earlier themes of The Bad Guys 2 is with respect to second chances that individuals seek in a society. These individuals might be criminals at one point, but wishing to now turn a new leaf. But would the society be willing to give them a new chance? That remains a probing question for the gang, even as they navigate the renewed fate of their decision of surrendering. The events remain light and breezy with a tinge of humour, even as you spot Wolf applying for a job in the same bank that he had once looted. It is this brand of humour that you would associate in an animated film like this, even whilst being acquainted with the brand new romantic dynamic between the Wolf and the Fox (Zazie Beetz), with the underlying subversion being a brewing romance between an ex-convict and the Governor.
Interestingly, the core conflict of the tale arises in the form of a mysterious Phantom Bandit, who is planting the identities of ‘The Bad Guys’ in the heists that are being freshly carried out. And this directly acts as a sense of motivation for the gang to prove their innocence and be labeled as the new heroes in town. And that takes them through a series of sequences at different locations – a Mexican Wrestling festival and a wedding of a millionaire that houses a gadget to control a rocket (that the Phantom Bandit is after; also a hilarious reference to Elon Musk who runs a company called MoonX). And sandwiched in between these sequences, is a game of betrayal and arm-twisting, even as you are introduced to the identity of the Phantom Bandit and her gang that adds to the glitz and the glam of the drama. This, even as a sense of nostalgia is tapped upon with the re-introduction of an old antagonist who has suddenly beefed up!
There are isolated sequences wherein the humour quotient matches the charm of the drama. For instance, the buildup to a heist involving exchanging the gadget of a tech-driven millionaire is hilarious, particularly in the manner in which the actual heist plays out. There are a few surprises in store for the viewers that uses the ‘recall’ factor in the drama effectively. And invariably, the twists and turns maintain the interest levels too along with strong doses of humour. But the key word in this paragraph is right at the start – “isolated”! And that tells you a story or two on the inconsistent nature of the writing that doesn’t always allow its humour to land.
One of the demerits of the drama remains on how convoluted and over-stuffed the final act becomes, wherein the writers try and introduce multiple themes in a bunch of sequences that are clamped together. There is a thing about simplicity in an animated film, that often goes a long way in driving home the messaging, or alternately even contributing to the fun quotient of the drama. Sadly, the writing is caught in this ‘in-between’ dilemma of sorts, of wanting a constant stream of laughter but also maintaining the recurring theme of a heist in the drama, that would potentially add to the fun quotient of the drama. And this is where the drama falters, whilst trying every trick in the book in its final act. This is again not to say that the drama is a trainwreck – No! It is very much watchable and entertaining in parts, but holistically, it does lose a bit of its charm.
The absurdity of the drama cannot be fully discounted too, even as you witness the gang going after the Phantom Bandits in ‘outer space’ (yes, you read that right). This particular plot-point in the final act is outrageous, almost mocking a parallel with a similar sequence in the Fast And Furious franchise, or alternately reminding you of the finale of the Hindi film A Flying Jatt (2016). What that does is, deviate from the core sentiments of the drama that really was highlighted in a scene wherein the Phantom Bandit questions the new identity of Wolf, before the writers quickly step away from this plot-point. In exchange, you do get fleeting moments of laughter featuring the Piranha who ‘farts’ whilst being in the similar vessel as the Snake, or even a late double-twist involving the Gang fighting for their lives. But largely, it cannot be discounted that the writing deviates from its core, particularly with the way in which the drama chooses to end, thereby signalling a new direction for the franchise and its future installments. The screenplay here still remains decently engaging and enjoyable while having isolated moments of charm and wit!
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are humourous in certain places while really playing to the wit of the characters along with some deprecating humour, that collectively makes for an enjoyable watch. The BGM highlights particular moments of heroism by elevating certain sequences with righteous notes. This, while the humour is backed by accurate tonal variations of the notes that allows the sentiments to land at most places. Dreamworks and their standard of animation is a love-affair for the ages, and the same is represented here in its full capacity. The animation is outstanding and adds a lot of depth to the proceedings straight away, with its breezy layout of the characters in a glitzy and jesty world that is created. The detailing also lies in the expressions of the characters that are perfectly in sync with their traits (something that Indian animation can learn from too).
I also loved how editing as a medium was used as a tool for humour to creep in, with some clever transition shots that represent two drastically different moods. For instance, a sequence involving the Wolf riding a swanky and speedy car is transitioned into a slow and rudimentary model of a car, that shifts the mood while contributing tremendously to the humour in the drama. Director Pierre Perifel does a good job yet again with his characters that indirectly tap into the quirks of the world that he creates here. Yes, the director remains guilty of overtrying by clearly going on an overkill mode in the final act that is overtly overstuffed while diverting from its central theme. But despite that, there are isolated moments that are enjoyable to witness wherein humour remains a prime driving force in the drama. And for that alone, the director deserves a round of applause for somehow holding things together without allowing the drama to capitulate.
Voiceovers
The voiceovers are top-notch by the members of the cast. Alex Borstein as Misty, the new police ‘commisioner’ contributes to several moments of laughter in the narrative. Maria Bakalova as Pigtail and Nstasha Lyonne as Susan have their moments to shine. Danielle Brooks as Kitty Kat is impressive as the chief antagonist while making her presence felt with clever voice modulations with respect to her character. Richard Ayoade as Marmalade is affably cute in an attempt to be menacing, and he does his job here to perfection. Zazie Beetz as Governor Diane is sincere and earnest while commanding your attention with her voice-over. Craig Robinson as Mr Shark, Awkwafina as Ms Tarantula, Marc Mason as Mr Snake and Anthony Ramos as Mr Piranha are perfectly eccentric characters that form the backbone of the drama by significantly contributing to several moments of laughter throughout the narrative. Sam Rockwell as Mr Wolf is built on the personality of George Clooney and Sam adds a lot of style and glitz to the character with his subtle voiceover variations. Mr Wolf is suave and oozing with style and this personality along with important bouts of leadership are wonderfully captured by the voiceover of Sam.
Conclusion
Boasting of some smashing animation, The Bad Guys 2 is a decently enjoyable animated drama that scores despite an overstuffed final act. The drama isn’t as good as the first part but it is still fairly entertaining to witness despite its shortcomings. Available in a theatre near you (from 1st August 2025).