"The Bad Guys" was a pleasant surprise back in 2022. It wasn't just another flashy animated movie with corny jokes and forgettable characters; it was funny, clever and had heart.
My kids loved it, and my wife and I enjoyed it just as much. The film had a fresh, fun dynamic and wasn't just about pretty visuals. It was a movie we'd actually watch again, even when the kids weren't around. So, when I saw the sequel, "The Bad Guys 2," I wasn't expecting it to change the world, but I was hoping it would at least bring the same level of enjoyment as the first one. And I'm happy to report, it delivered.
"The Bad Guys 2" picks up where the first movie left off, with our favorite antiheroes turned good, turned bad, turned good again. It's an easy watch, and it's another fun, family-oriented caper that doesn't try too hard but still delivers plenty of laughs and adventure.
It's funny (and I'm not just talking about for kids)
I'm a simple guy when it comes to movies; I want the film to deliver what it's promising. If a movie claims to be an award-winning drama, I expect expert cinematography, great acting, deep character development and an engrossing and moving story. If it's a comedy, I expect to laugh. "The Bad Guys 2" is a comedy, and guess what? I laughed.
The movie's packed with jokes and gags that kept me smiling throughout and laughing out loud several times. While I might be a little biased since I was watching it with my kids (and trust me, they were in stitches the whole time), I found myself genuinely enjoying the humor. There are some slapstick moments, sure, but the jokes land in a way that's clever enough for adults without being over the top.
My kids had a blast, too. There were scenes where they were choking on popcorn from laughing so hard. It's one of those rare family films that manages to keep the parents entertained while still appealing to kids. The humor isn't just for the young ones; it's for everyone.
The cast delivers the goods
As with the first film, the voice cast is a big part of what makes this movie so fun. You've got Sam Rockwell, Awkwafina, Anthony Ramos, Zazie Beetz, Marc Maron, Craig Robinson, and Richard Ayoade, all veterans who clearly had a great time voicing these characters. The beauty of this cast is that they aren't trying to put on any outrageous voices or gimmicks; they're just delivering the lines in their own way, and it works.
You can tell these actors genuinely enjoyed the material and were invested in bringing these characters to life. It doesn't feel like a cash grab. The chemistry between the voice cast makes the film more enjoyable than it might have been otherwise. While you can't see their faces, you can feel the energy in their performances, and that adds to the fun. There's an effortless, laid-back quality to their delivery, which makes the movie feel relaxed and unforced.
The heist elements work well
If you've read my past reviews, you know I have a soft spot for heist movies. There's something inherently cool about a well-executed heist; whether it's a complex plot or a series of clever twists, I'm all in.
"The Bad Guys" worked in part because it had that heist element, and "The Bad Guys 2" continues that tradition. There are a couple of heists in this sequel, and while I think the first film executed the heist plot better, it still provides some fun and engaging twists.
The heist portions are full of surprises, and while they don't have the same level of complexity as, say, "Ocean's Eleven," they do a good job of keeping the plot moving and adding to the excitement. These capers are far from perfect, but they're part of what makes the movie entertaining. You never quite know what's going to happen next, and that's always a good thing in a heist movie.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, "The Bad Guys 2" is a fun, entertaining sequel that delivers what it promises. While it might not be as fresh or groundbreaking as some of the best animated films, it offers plenty of laughs, exciting moments and a lovable cast of characters.
The overall vibe and heist elements give it a unique feel, and the voice cast adds a lot to the film's charm. It's not perfect, but who cares? What's the point in pointing out a few missteps when we've got a fun, clever movie that kids, teens, and adults can enjoy?
If you loved the first "The Bad Guys," this sequel will certainly scratch that same itch. And even if you're just looking for a lighthearted movie to watch with the family, "The Bad Guys 2" is worth checking out.
"The Bad Guys 2" is officially rated PG for mild action and humor.
