Universal Pictures presents The Bad Guys in UK cinemas on April 1, 2022.
Synopsis
Several reformed yet misunderstood criminal animals attempt to become good, with some disastrous results along the way.
Review
The Bad Guys is what happens when you mix Oceans 11, Reservoir Dogs and Zootropolis (a sentence I’d never thought I’d say!) – a hysterical heist feast full of action, emotion, and twists galore.
The Bad Guys follows the big bad Mr Wolf, and his gang of expert criminals who get caught on their latest score and are given the chance to avoid a jail sentence if they can become “Good Guys”. Hilarity and heists ensue! The jokes are funny for both adults and children, and there are so many twists and turns that you cannot help but be engaged. There is a strong moral message which does not get lost in the chaos.
This is director Pierre Perifel’s first full-length feature, but you wouldn’t know it. The movies opens with a long continuous shot as we are introduced to Mr Wolf and Mr Snake in a very Tarantino-esque way with flowing authentic conversation, before escalating into a high speed chase. There are complicated scenes with heist planning and execution, but Perifel handles it all masterfully. The editing is faced paced for the action and lets film low when it needs to. The animation is unique and flits between styles when needed. There is a strong Manga/ Anime influence used for Police Chief Luggins’ exaggerated tantrums which I found very funny! There is an almost sepia tone used for the Los Angeles haze which gives the film a unique look and feel. Altogether the elements combine to make a great piece of animated cinema.
The voice casting is spot on. The standout being Marc Maron as Mr Snake who’s rough and grouchy tone works perfectly for the ne’er do well. Zazie Beats silky vocals are perfectly vixen-like as Diane Foxington. I had no idea Craig Robinson was Mr Shark until the credits rolled, which is a compliment! Sam Rockwell completely transforms into Mr Wolf, Richard Ayoade embraces both the charm and madness of Professor Marmalade, while Alex Borstein is absolutely hilarious as Police Chief Misty Luggins. There isn’t a voice that is out of place in this whole movie.
Verdict
I took my 7-year-old daughter to watch this and then I asked for her review. She said “it was the greatest film ever”, and she isn’t wrong! In the litany of animated family moves go, The Bad Guys are on top!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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