The Bad Guys

The latest Dreamworks release is set to be a treat for young cinemagoers. Mixing 2D and 3D animation, The Bad Guys could be described as a comical, lighthearted version of the Ocean’s Eleven franchise. Set in a city where anthropomorphic and human citizens coexist, the story is inspired by the popular Aaron Blabey graphic novels and imparts important messages about core values such as kindness, loyalty and honesty. 

The Bad Guys are a notorious gang of criminals: Mr Snake, Mr Piranha, Mr Shark and Ms Tarantula are led by Mr Wolf, a smooth-talking robber who orchestrates the band’s illicit ventures. The tight bond between the members of the gang seems to rely largely on their shared desire to be evil and to con others. They are feared by everyone and impossible to catch, but a turn of events causes them to rethink their lives as they are forced to become (or at least pretend to become) model citizens to avoid a sticky situation. The person recognised as the most benevolent member of the community, Professor Marmalade, takes them under his wing, but the rehabilitative process does not quite go according to plan. 

The film has many elements that work in its favour, but originality isn’t one of them. One gets the feeling of having seen it all before, whether in animated productions or real-life action films. There is a central heist scene, in particular, that seems like a replica of a dozen others. Unfortunately, this lack of novelty makes the story overly predictable and unmemorable. However, The Bad Guys is still a fun and cheerful adventure with its heart in the right place. It has plenty of positive lessons to offer about the bonds of friendship and what a big difference it makes to be kind. Little ones will doubtless find the action sequences exciting and the animation captivating, and there is a good deal of humour to keep them thoroughly entertained. 

Mersa Auda

The Bad Guys is released on 1^st April 2022.

Watch the trailer for The Bad Guys here: