- Release year: 2025
- Director: Pierre Perifel.
- Producer: Damon Ross.
- Screenplay by: Aaron Blabey.
- Edition by: Jesse Averna.
- Music by: Daniel Pemberton.
Synopsis: a group of villains turned good are struggling to find a job when a new villain shows up, framing them for their actions.
Shotgun Commentary: a film with so much style that the story becomes irrelevant.
Review
The Bad Guys 2 is one of those sequels that don’t expect you to have seen or remember the previous instalment. As such, it is a likeable piece from the very beginning. Not everyone can afford a recap whenever a sequel/prequel/remake comes out. Worry not, parents and animation-loving spectators, you can now channel your inner bad guy and go to the cinema without your homework done. It will make no difference.
Freedom to the viewer
As you might be suspecting, yours truly went to her screening without any homework done. Completely new to the franchise, the cast that gives its voices to it, or anything else related to that product. Still, one is a professional and watched the first instalment right after, which gives one the authority to say: watch it or don’t, the result will be the same.
Nevertheless, there is a very important fact that needs to be said, and it is one of those rare statements one never expects to make: the sequel is so much better than the original. This is one of those bizarre moments that almost never happens in cinema. But, for some reason, it has taken place with this particular saga. If you follow this critic’s lead and watch the second instalment before the first, prepare to be severely disappointed. Not because the original one is bad, but because the second part is miles ahead of it.
The power of a first impression
The most obvious development between instalments is the characters. The first film of a saga can usually go two ways. The first one is having cool presentations for each character and a fun story that shows who they are and how they will work together from that point on. A great example of this would be Guardians of the Galaxy (2014).
Or the second method, which is to present your audience with half-cooked characters. They will find redemption and become who they are meant to be thanks to the events that take place in the movie. This is the path followed by The Bad Guys (2022), and it is not a bad path, but their pre-redemption personalities just don’t hit quite the spot.
Because of this, the second instalment manages to secure its place higher than the first. It showcases charismatic characters from the very beginning through an exciting opening scene that catches you up, and a story that entertains despite its numerous weak spots.
Wait a minute…
There is one big issue with the film that needs to be addressed. Mostly because it is the exact same problem that the first one had. A problem that could technically be excused as a social commentary if one really wants to defend the work.
This small hitch is the same in both instalments: “The Bad Guys” get blamed for trying to steal something that was already theirs to begin with. During the first film, they are about to be awarded a price, but it disappears and they get blamed. In the second, they win a wrestling tournament and get blamed for trying to steal the winner’s belt.
Why would they steal something that was already about to be theirs regardless? Well, if you want to justify it, it could be a satire for how dumb the public is, how everyone will blindly believe whatever feeds the prejudice, regardless of how ridiculous it sounds.
The highlights
Finally, there are two key elements that make this movie stand out. One, the visuals. The animation is flawless, the settings and outfits are gorgeous, and the final move of “the evil plan” is jaw-dropping, as expected from a shiny storm in a dark place.
As for the second crucial element, that title goes to the score, but Daniel Pemberton. Pemberton has made iconic scores throughout his career, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023), its prequel, and The Man from U.N.C.L.E (2015), amongst many others. This film is no exception when it comes to being outstanding. In fact, it is so good that even if you aren’t usually into scores, you will notice it and thank the cinema gods for its presence.
All in all, The Bad Guys 2 is rizz made animation movie. It is the film that will make your kids love villains from a young age, and potentially dream about wearing a suit. It is light, fun for children and adults, and thrilling. You couldn’t ask for a better child-friendly summer film this year.
Thanks to Universal Pictures for big-screen access! The Bad Guys 2 will be released the 24th of July.
Advice to take from this movie:
- Let Sam Rockwell voice everything from now on.
- Outfits matter, even in animation.
- Only blind people and douchebags were glasses inside.
What’s your take? Have you watched The Bad Guys 2? Don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, or leave a message in my contact page! For more reviews and cinema-related articles, check out the rest of my blog! 😀