✅ The Bad Guys (2022) is a stylish and refreshingly original animated heist comedy from DreamWorks Animation. Based on the bestselling book series by Aaron Blabey, the film introduces a notorious gang of animal outlaws who, after a lifetime of crime, decide to pull off their most daring con yet: convincing the world they’ve gone good. Directed by Pierre Perifel in his feature debut, the film’s distinctive visual style, witty humor, and stellar voice cast make it a standout for all ages. It’s a fast-paced, action-packed adventure that playfully subverts expectations and delivers a surprisingly heartfelt message about second chances.
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The Bad Guys
Director: Pierre Perifel
Writers: Etan Cohen
Stars: Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Awkwafina
Country: United States of America
Genres: Family, Comedy, Crime, Adventure, Animation, Action
Languages: English
Overview: When the Bad Guys, a crew of criminal animals, are finally caught after years of heists and being the world’s most-wanted villains, Mr. Wolf brokers a deal to save them all from prison.
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The Bad Guys (2022) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix
Movie Details
- Full Name: The Bad Guys (2022)
- Language: English
- Budget: $70 Million
- Revenue: $250.8 Million (Worldwide)
- Runtime: 100 Minutes (1 Hour 40 Minutes)
- Release Date: April 22, 2022 (USA)
- Genres: Animation, Action, Comedy, Family, Crime
- Cast: Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Awkwafina, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, Zazie Beetz, Richard Ayoade, Alex Borstein, Lilly Singh
- Directors: Pierre Perifel
- Screenplay: Etan Cohen
- Studios & Producers: DreamWorks Animation, Scholastic Entertainment (Producers: Damon Ross, Rebecca Huntley)
- Voice Cast: Not Applicable
- Animation & Style: 2D/3D Hybrid, Stylized CGI
OFFICIAL IMAGES
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Image via DreamWorks Animation / Universal Pictures -
Image via DreamWorks Animation / Universal Pictures -
Image via DreamWorks Animation / Universal Pictures -
Image via DreamWorks Animation / Universal Pictures -
Image via DreamWorks Animation / Universal Pictures -
Image via DreamWorks Animation / Universal Pictures
Plot Summary
“The Bad Guys” follows a notorious and charismatic crew of criminal animal masterminds led by the cunning pickpocket Mr. Wolf (Sam Rockwell). His crew includes the jaded safecracker Mr. Snake (Marc Maron), the short-fused brawler Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos), the goofy master-of-disguise Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson), and the expert hacker Ms. Tarantula (Awkwafina). After a successful bank heist, the gang is finally apprehended and arrested. To avoid long prison sentences, Mr. Wolf strikes a deal with the city’s charming and respected governor, Diane Foxington (Zazie Beetz). They will be put under the tutelage of the esteemed philanthropist and guinea pig, Professor Marmalade (Richard Ayoade), who will attempt to “reform” them. Their plan is to pretend to go good, earn their freedom, and then go back to their old ways. However, things take an unexpected turn when Mr. Wolf finds that doing a good deed gives him a strange and satisfying feeling, causing his tail to wag uncontrollably. He begins to question whether being good is genuinely better than being bad. As Mr. Wolf wrestles with this moral dilemma, a new villain emerges with a sinister plot that frames the Bad Guys and threatens the city. The crew must now decide whether to fully embrace their new “good” personas and save the day, or revert to their old criminal ways for their own survival, leading to a thrilling showdown that tests their loyalty and their newfound values.
Cast & Crew
The film’s voice cast is a major reason for its success, bringing a perfect blend of wit and charm to their roles. Sam Rockwell gives a suave, charismatic performance as Mr. Wolf, expertly capturing the character’s internal conflict and shifting moral compass. His voice work is dynamic and charismatic, making the audience root for him from the start. Marc Maron is a standout as the cynical and sardonic Mr. Snake, providing the perfect deadpan foil to Wolf’s growing idealism. Their friendship is the emotional core of the film. Awkwafina‘s portrayal of Ms. Tarantula adds a clever, fast-talking energy to the crew, while Craig Robinson and Anthony Ramos provide excellent comedic relief as Mr. Shark and Mr. Piranha, respectively. Zazie Beetz brings a smooth and confident tone to the role of Governor Diane Foxington, who harbors a secret of her own. The true villain is brought to life by Richard Ayoade, whose calm, professorial tone for Professor Marmalade is masterfully unsettling. First-time director Pierre Perifel, a veteran animator, makes an incredibly confident debut, demonstrating a clear vision for the film’s unique visual and comedic style. The seamless collaboration between the cast and crew is evident in every scene, making for a truly memorable animated experience.
Critical & Audience Response
Upon its release, “The Bad Guys” was met with widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its innovative animation and clever humor. Critics praised its unique visual style, which blended 3D CGI with 2D elements and a comic-book aesthetic reminiscent of “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” This distinct look was a refreshing change from the more photo-realistic styles of other animated films. The film’s self-aware humor and playful homage to classic heist films like “Ocean’s Eleven” were also highly commended. While some critics found the plot to be predictable, they acknowledged that the film’s energy, wit, and strong voice acting more than made up for it. Audiences were even more enthusiastic, giving the film a high approval rating and strong word-of-mouth. Families appreciated that the film was enjoyable for both kids and adults, with layered jokes and a positive message about redemption and identity. Its box office success, grossing over $250 million on a modest budget, solidified its status as a sleeper hit and a welcome return to form for DreamWorks Animation.
Direction & Cinematography
Director Pierre Perifel‘s direction is the driving force behind “The Bad Guys'” fresh and exciting feel. As a first-time feature director, Perifel demonstrates remarkable confidence and a clear, singular vision. He successfully blends a smooth, kinetic pace with moments of genuine character-driven emotion. The direction draws heavily from live-action crime and heist thrillers, utilizing dynamic camera angles, split-screen effects, and snappy editing that mimic the rhythm of a high-stakes caper. The cinematography, a collaboration between the director and the animation team, is what truly sets the film apart. It employs a distinctive visual language that gives the world a tangible, graphic novel feel. The characters’ movements are exaggerated and bouncy, full of energy and personality. The backgrounds are often stylized and painterly, a stark contrast to the more detailed character models. This combination of styles makes the film visually pop, creating a vibrant and memorable cinematic experience that feels both modern and nostalgic. The cinematography is not just for looks; it enhances the storytelling, making the action sequences more thrilling and the emotional beats more impactful.
Music & Background Score
The music of “The Bad Guys” is a key element that perfectly complements the film’s heist movie genre. The score, composed by Daniel Pemberton, is a high-octane, jazzy mix that evokes the sleek and stylish feel of classic crime capers. Pemberton’s compositions are full of energy, with lively saxophone riffs, funky basslines, and dramatic strings that build tension during the heists and chase sequences. The music acts as a character in itself, driving the pace of the film and adding a layer of cool sophistication. The score also incorporates a selection of licensed pop songs that are used effectively to enhance the humor and mood of specific scenes. From the opening sequence, the music immediately sets the tone, making the audience feel like they are embarking on a grand, mischievous adventure. The background score is particularly clever, with different motifs for each character and a central theme for the “Bad Guys” crew that changes subtly as they evolve from villains to heroes. It’s a fun, memorable score that stands out and makes a significant contribution to the film’s overall charm and style.
Visuals & Special Effects
“The Bad Guys” is a visual masterpiece that breaks away from the conventional photorealistic CGI that has dominated mainstream animation. Its bold and graphic style is a breath of fresh air, blending the fluidity of traditional 2D hand-drawn animation with the depth of 3D computer graphics. The character designs are unique, with a cartoony, almost rubbery quality to their movements that adds to their expressiveness. The special effects, such as explosions, smoke, and water, are stylized to look like hand-drawn elements, which gives the film a consistent and cohesive aesthetic. The film’s color palette is vibrant and intentionally limited, creating striking visual contrasts that make key scenes pop. Every frame looks like a moving piece of concept art. The visual effects are seamlessly integrated into the stylized world, never feeling out of place. This unique visual language not only makes “The Bad Guys” instantly recognizable but also allows for a greater range of expression and comedic timing than would be possible with a more realistic approach. It’s a film that proves that visual innovation in animation is still alive and well, setting a new standard for stylistic creativity in the genre.
Editing & Screenplay
The editing of “The Bad Guys” is sharp, kinetic, and integral to the film’s high-energy pace. Editor John Venzon keeps the narrative moving at a breakneck speed, particularly during the exhilarating chase and heist sequences. The editing often uses split screens and quick cuts to highlight the various roles of the team members during a heist, creating a sense of synchronized chaos that is both clever and entertaining. This fast-paced rhythm is balanced by more thoughtful, character-driven moments, ensuring the audience has time to connect with the emotional core of the story. The screenplay, written by Etan Cohen, is based on Aaron Blabey’s books but takes a fresh approach. It’s a witty and self-aware script that delivers sharp one-liners and clever dialogue. The plot itself, while familiar in its themes of redemption, is well-structured. It successfully establishes a core conflict—whether the “Bad Guys” can truly change—and explores it with both humor and heart. While some viewers may find the plot’s twists and turns predictable, the script’s charm, comedic timing, and genuine character arcs keep the story fresh and engaging. The screenplay does an excellent job of building the friendship between the characters, particularly the dynamic between Mr. Wolf and Mr. Snake, which provides the emotional anchor for the entire film.
Positives / What Works
The film’s greatest strengths lie in its stunning and unique visual style, which boldly sets it apart from other animated features. The witty and engaging screenplay, filled with clever dialogue and humorous set-pieces, works for all ages. The impeccable voice cast, led by a charismatic Sam Rockwell, brings immense charm and personality to their characters, with the chemistry between them being a major highlight. The high-energy direction and kinetic editing create a thrilling pace that never lets up. The film also successfully blends action and comedy with a surprisingly heartfelt theme of redemption and identity. Finally, Daniel Pemberton’s jazzy score is a standout, perfectly capturing the movie’s cool, heist-film vibe.
Negatives / What Doesn’t Work
While “The Bad Guys” is an overall excellent film, it does have a few minor weaknesses. The plot is somewhat predictable, especially for those familiar with the heist genre and classic redemption arcs. The twist involving the true villain is telegraphed early on, leaving little room for a major surprise. Additionally, some of the film’s humor, while generally sharp, can occasionally lean towards standard animated movie gags, which may not land with all adults. Some viewers may also find the film’s hyper-stylized aesthetic and fast pace to be overwhelming at times. However, these are minor criticisms in an otherwise strong and thoroughly entertaining film. The movie’s reliance on established genre formulas prevents it from being truly groundbreaking in terms of storytelling, but it more than compensates with its visual flair and comedic execution.
Final Verdict / Conclusion
“The Bad Guys” is a top-tier animated film that successfully combines the cool style of a heist movie with the heartwarming themes of a family adventure. It’s a visual feast from start to finish, with a fresh and unique animation style that makes every frame a delight. Led by a fantastic voice cast, the film delivers a laugh-out-loud comedy with plenty of action and a surprising amount of emotional depth. While the story might follow a predictable formula, the film’s charisma, energy, and charm more than make up for it. It’s a highly recommended watch for anyone looking for a fun, stylish, and clever movie that both kids and adults can thoroughly enjoy. “The Bad Guys” proves that it’s good to be bad, especially when you’re this much fun.
Movie Rating
| Rating Category | Score (Out of 5 Stars) |
| Plot & Storyline | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Acting & Performances | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Direction & Cinematography | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Music & Background Score | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall Entertainment Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Average Score | 4.2 / 5 |
OFFICIAL TRAILER
FAQs
What animation style does "The Bad Guys" use?
The film uses a unique and stylized hybrid animation style that combines 3D CGI with 2D elements and a comic-book aesthetic, often compared to the style of "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse."
Is "The Bad Guys" based on a book?
Yes, the movie is based on the popular children's book series of the same name by author Aaron Blabey.
