I was impressed with the initial trailers for The Bad Guys. It might be based on a popular children's book, but the first peeks looked slick, engaging and felt like they were bringing adult heist capers to animation. I was hooked on the concept. And DreamWorks Animation, after getting paired with Illumination at Universal, has desperately needed a new franchise as most of their key ones have concluded at this point.
But upon finally catching the actual film, I was very surprised. This movie was even better than I was expecting. Starting with the animation, which is superb all around. The camera angles, character designs and action scenes are top notch. I felt like I was watching a Fast and Furious movie tamed down for kids, but still remained entertaining and enthralling throughout. The character animation and actions also reminded me a bit of the comic book style of Into the Spider-Verse (which I heard was an inspiration behind the visual style decisions for this film).
The voicework is terrific as well. Sam Rockwell is perfectly sly and gives depth to his performance here as Mr. Wolf. Marc Maron bounces off nicely with him as Mr. Snake, while Anthony Ramos (In the Heights) gives a fantastic voice acting debut as Mr. Piranha. He is also given a solid club-driven musical number called, "Good Tonight", which I enjoyed. There's really no weak link in the cast, as Awkwafina (who seems to be cast a lot in voice roles these days), Alex Borstein, and Zazie Beetz voice really strong female characters here as well.
The script is slick and full of surprises. This leads into multiple third act twists that I really did not see coming. I was in suspense and wondering when everything was going to end. Just when it seemed like the film was heading towards a predictable conclusion, it throws another wrench in to keep you at the edge of your seat. On the downside, it does slow the pace down a little, but other than a couple of places in the middle, I didn't mind that too much. At the same time, the film saves a few slower moments to build a few characters and some genuine heart.
Daniel Pemberton does a great job capturing the feel of a heist film with his score. A mid-credits scene also keeps things exciting while giving the characters a good jumping off point. Some characters are given slightly repetitive gags that get a little old at times (Mr. Piranha's fart gag wasn't exactly original or hysterical for me per se). The film itself isn't exactly a comedy, and quite a few of its' intended jokes don't exactly hit their mark.
That being said, The Bad Guys is meant to be an exciting heist adventure, and that's where it shines. It's a surprising, beautifully-animated, well-acted caper that manages to have heart and character too. It's gritter, more daring and more intriguing of a film experience than similar animated fare such as Despicable Me, MegaMind and Wreck-it Ralph. And, as far as animated films go, this is likely the most impressive one I've seen since Spider-Verse.
And one final thought...I really hope we get a sequel!
Grade: A-
Is this movie family-friendly? The Bad Guys is rated PG for "action and rude humor". There's a lot of animated action and peril here, with screeching cars, cartoonish crashing, freefalling, and characters in danger. A bunch of guinea pigs are eaten by Mr. Snake, and then spit out forcefully. Talk of guinea pigs being eaten as well. A couple of bathroom jokes include Mr. Piranha passing gas on a handful of occasions. A few instances of lying, but rebuked. Stolen items, but returned. A moment involves a heart rock being mistaken for a "butt rock" and other related jokes. In the end, this is a little intense for young children, but I think it's OK for ages 6 or 7 and up.
Is this movie family-friendly? The Bad Guys is rated PG for "action and rude humor". There's a lot of animated action and peril here, with screeching cars, cartoonish crashing, freefalling, and characters in danger. A bunch of guinea pigs are eaten by Mr. Snake, and then spit out forcefully. Talk of guinea pigs being eaten as well. A couple of bathroom jokes include Mr. Piranha passing gas on a handful of occasions. A few instances of lying, but rebuked. Stolen items, but returned. A moment involves a heart rock being mistaken for a "butt rock" and other related jokes. In the end, this is a little intense for young children, but I think it's OK for ages 6 or 7 and up.
