The Bad Guys Film Review

                    The Bad Guys

    For years, the Bad Guys (Wolf, Snake, Piranha, Tarantula and Shark) have had the time of their lives. Sure, humans see them as terrifying, but that doesn’t bother these animals. They’re used to it. So the criminals come and go as they please, causing the police (including chief Misty Luggins) much trouble. 

    However, when the Bad Guys are caught during a significant heist, Wolf brokers a deal: What if he and his friends become good? Sure, Wolf really desires the Golden Dolphin from Professor Marmalade. But he figures fooling the world will be the key to cinching the deal. What Wolf doesn’t realize is when you become good, there’s an ethical tug of war at play too.

    Positive Elements: Sure Wolf’s deal starts out problematic, considering his motives. But as he begins doing selfless deeds, Wolf discovers there’s more than meets the eye. During one heist, he says a statue is garbage to which Diane Foxington corrects him, saying “It’s all about perspective.”

For her part, Diane challenges Wolf to be better. She overcame prejudices of her own and empathizes with the Bad Guys on a couple occasions. Diane tells Wolf of the time she had to leave something behind and tells him it's never easy at first. Her influence rubs off on Wolf throughout the film.

The film repeatedly strives to teach viewers that prejudice is wrong. We see humans scared of these criminals because they’re predators. One reporter states “stereotypes are heavily affirmed.” Eventually Snake, Shark, Piranha, and Webs realize how good deeds can change you. That brings another lesson too: just because something feels good, doesn’t mean it is good. In this way, the film teaches us that doing something out of fickle emotion is wrong.

Wolf and Snake are best buds to the core. Their friendship is tested when Wolf starts veering off course and a hurtful comment breaks them apart. However, despite a significant plot twist, Wolf and Co rescue Snake and the world from harm. This goes to show how important friendship is.

Despite Wolf’s pretend plan to “do good,” he thankfully doesn’t follow through with the second heist at the gala. His heart warms up to a scared kitten. He allows the cat to gain his trust before it jumps into his arms.

Spiritual Elements: The “Good Samaritan” awards references the Bible story in Luke 10.

Sensual Content: There are several jokes about a meteorite being called a “butt rock.” Some male characters have their underwear exposed. Diane tells Wolf to wear “clean underwear.” Marmalade has a statue where private parts are covered by an etched leaf. 

Wolf has eyes for Diane: they flirt, look into each other's eyes, and share a romantic dance. He kisses her hand when they first meet. A few women wear revealing dresses and swimsuits. Shark cross dresses as a woman and pretends to have contractions as part of a ruse. Piranha is referred to as the “Butt Biter” on his criminal profile.

Violence: Think of The Bad Guys as Baby Driver meets Ocean’s 11 but for kids. That said, the action here is mostly light. A couple car chases end with crumpled cars and a huge pileup. Shark gets aggressive and eats Snake at one point (much to Marmalade’s horror). The crew beats up police officers and security guards during their heists. 

Wolf gets hit by a truck. Snake eats a handful of guinea pigs, causing Wolf to twirl him around like a lasso. A cat scratches Wolf’s face after being frightened by Piranha. During a verbal argument, Snake attacks Wolf. A character beats up several police officers using martial arts moves. 

Some explosions occur too. Brainwashed guinea pigs attack trucks and cause a tsunami during one action sequence. Wolf and Diane are rescued from a trap containing saws and metals. Piranha accidentally knocks Shark out with a grappling hook.

Language: “OMG” is seen once, along with some crude words like “pack” and “walking garbage.”

Drugs/Alcohol: Shark takes two alcoholic drinks and dumps one on the floor. Wolf sprays police with champagne during one pursuit. The crew drinks from golden cups early in the film.

Other Negative Elements: Stealing is the name of the game for Wolf and Co. They steal repeatedly throughout the film. Piranha passes gas a few times when he’s nervous. Snake likes eating items (including guinea pigs) and has to vomit them out. The Bad Guys attempt to rescue guinea pigs from a lab, but end up butchering it.

(Spoiler Warning): Marmalade manipulates The Bad Guys into taking the blame for a stolen meteorite. He also lies to the public about his image as a cover up for his nefarious plot. Marmalade mentions evolution as a reason why the Bad Guys are always bad. 

As mentioned, Wolf’s deal to go good is initially for wrong reasons. Wolf’s friends abandon him during a critical moment. An act of betrayal plays into the third act of the film.

Conclusion: The Bad Guys (based on the graphic novel series by Aaron Blabley) is a sweet, delightful film. Dreamworks has stepped up their game by creating a story with eye-popping visuals, funny characters, and moral lessons sprinkled throughout. No doubt, the film is sure to capture your heart.

I should note that the five main characters here aren’t saints. They make a lot of poor choices you don’t want your kids to emulate. Add in a bit of perilous action and some adult jokes, making you wonder if this movie is wholesome for the family.

That said, The Bad Guys is one of the best animated films in 2022. It has multiple references to heist movies such as Baby Driver, Ocean's 8, and The Italian Job. The storyline is well paced and structured. Even the animation is an old school feel, nothing too overboard or realistic.

But where the film really delivers is its messages. Similar to Zootopia, The Bad Guys teaches viewers about prejudice and why it's so harmful. But it takes this theme a step further by exploring the characters and their intentions.

An example: About 10 minutes into the film, the Bad Guys are watching TV. Diane comes on and after pointing out some (accurate) facts about these criminals, says that money can't buy you happiness. While Wolf dismisses this at first, he relents later on.

In a "me-centered" society, it's easy to hide underneath our pain. We rather be on social media, hang out with friends, or get lost in video games. While those aren't bad, they become problematic when getting out of hand. People point those addictions out to us, but we cast caution to the wind. In other words, we don't listen and end up heartbroken. 

But The Bad Guys suggests there’s another side too: one that is filled with redemption. When we realize that we can’t do it in our strength, humility settles in. The more we serve others, our intentions shift.

One heartbreaking scene in the film shows Wolf and Co being rescued by Diane, only to have Wolf’s friends desert him. The scene feels all too real because this happens in life too. However, Wolf’s friends rally back to him.

The Bible is clear about bad friends versus good ones. 1 Corinthians 15:33 states “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” Proverbs 18:24 says “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

The Bad Guys isn’t without problems as mentioned above. But it provides an excellent twist on 5 of the most feared animals on Earth. The film has great character development, spectacular animation and wonderful life lessons. How could you say no to a film like that?