On a sunny Saturday afternoon, I had the pleasure of heading to our local AMC theater with my nephew and sister for a much-anticipated viewing of The Bad Guys 2. The buzz surrounding this sequel to the 2022 DreamWorks Animation hit had been palpable, and as fans of the first film, we were eager to see how our favorite animal outlaws would fare in their latest adventure. From the moment the lights dimmed and the vibrant, cel-shaded visuals burst onto the screen, we were hooked. The Bad Guys 2 delivers a high-octane, laugh-out-loud, and surprisingly poignant experience that surpasses its predecessor in charm, wit, and heart. With its slick action sequences, playful adult innuendos, cartoonish violence, and meaningful messages about redemption and loyalty, this film is a triumph of family entertainment that left us grinning from ear to ear.
A Stylish Continuation of a Beloved Franchise
The Bad Guys 2, directed by Pierre Perifel and co-directed by JP Sans, picks up where the first film left off, diving deeper into the lives of the reformed criminal crew: Mr. Wolf (voiced with roguish charm by Sam Rockwell), Mr. Snake (Marc Maron’s sardonic wit), Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson’s lovable oafishness), Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos’ manic energy), and Ms. Tarantula, aka Webs (Awkwafina’s tech-savvy cool). This time, the gang is joined by a new all-female criminal squad, voiced by powerhouse talents like Danielle Brooks, Maria Bakalova, and Natasha Lyonne, who add a fresh dynamic to the story. The plot follows the Bad Guys as they struggle to gain society’s trust as newly minted “Good Guys” after their prison stint, only to be pulled back into the heist game for “one last job” orchestrated by the cunning Bad Girls.
From the opening scene—a dazzling flashback to a Cairo heist five years prior—the film establishes its signature blend of high-stakes action and cheeky humor. The animation, inspired by the likes of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and classic anime, is a visual feast. The 2D lines layered over CG characters give them a dynamic, almost comic-book-like texture, with exaggerated expressions and vibrant effects like scribbled smoke clouds bursting from exhaust pipes. My nephew, a budding artist at age 10, was mesmerized by the “cool drawings,” as he put it, while my sister and I appreciated the nod to anime influences like Lupin III. The film’s sleek, angular aesthetic and fluid action choreography make every chase, explosion, and heist a spectacle that pops off the screen.
Action That Packs a Punch
The action in The Bad Guys 2 is a major step up from the first film, delivering grander, more inventive set pieces that keep the energy high. From martial-arts-style brawls to high-speed car chases and an unexpected detour to outer space (yes, outer space!), the film leans into its heist-movie roots with a playful, over-the-top flair. One standout sequence involves the Bad Guys navigating a labyrinth of laser traps, with Webs’ hacking skills and Wolf’s quick thinking saving the day. The outer space segment, while initially jarring, is executed with such gleeful absurdity—complete with a “fart-in-a-spacesuit” gag—that it won over even my sister, who’s usually skeptical of such bold narrative swings.
The action is fast-paced but never overwhelming, striking a balance that keeps younger viewers engaged without losing the adults in the room. My nephew was on the edge of his seat during a climactic showdown involving the Bad Girls, cheering as Piranha unleashed a flurry of cartoonish kicks and punches. The film’s ability to weave sophisticated heist mechanics with slapstick humor ensures there’s something for everyone. As an adult, I appreciated the clever nods to classic heist films—think Ocean’s Eleven with anthropomorphic animals—while my nephew loved the sheer chaos of it all.
Cartoonish Violence with a Light Touch
The violence in The Bad Guys 2 is quintessentially cartoonish, designed to entertain without causing distress. Characters fly across the screen, smash into walls, and emerge unscathed, embodying the Looney Tunes-esque physics that define the genre. There are moments of mild peril—a villain briefly chokes two characters, and Wolf sports a black eye after a scuffle—but the tone remains light, with no lasting consequences. Other scenes, like Shark accidentally kicking a priest through a window (played for laughs) or Tarantula quipping about “snitches getting stitches,” add a playful edge to the action.
Parents may have some concerns about the violence, particularly for younger or more sensitive children. The introduction of the Bad Girls brings a slightly darker tone, with one villain’s knife-throwing habit and another’s menacing threats feeling a touch more intense than the first film’s zombie guinea pig uprising. However, the film’s PG rating is apt, and the violence never crosses into graphic territory. My sister, who’s cautious about what her son watches, noted that the action felt “safe” and was clearly exaggerated for comedic effect. She appreciated that the film avoids gore or realistic harm, making it suitable for our family outing. Still, parents of very young children might want to preview the film or discuss the action afterward to ensure it aligns with their comfort level.
Adult Innuendos That Fly Over Kids’ Heads
One of the film’s strengths is its ability to entertain adults without alienating younger audiences, thanks to a smattering of clever innuendos. The script, penned by Yoni Brenner and Etan Cohen, is peppered with subtle adult humor that sails right over kids’ heads. For instance, Snake’s bird girlfriend sparks a few suggestive moments, like a quirky kiss where he places his head inside her beak, prompting a chuckle from the grown-ups in the theater. Another scene features a character calling his ruthless girlfriend “so hot now,” followed by flirty exchanges like “you’re one twisted guy,” which had my sister and me stifling laughter while my nephew remained blissfully unaware.
These moments are handled with restraint, never veering into inappropriate territory. The innuendos are playful rather than crude, ensuring the film remains family-friendly while giving parents something to smirk about. The dialogue also includes mild language—“butt,” “fart,” “hell,” and phrases like “snitches get stitches”—but it’s tame enough to avoid raising eyebrows. My sister appreciated the balance, noting that the humor felt inclusive without pandering solely to kids or relying on cheap gags.
Messages of Redemption and Loyalty
At its core, The Bad Guys 2 is a story about change, redemption, and the power of loyalty, themes that resonate deeply with audiences of all ages. The film builds on the first movie’s exploration of whether “bad guys” can truly become good, delving into the challenges of earning trust after a criminal past. Mr. Wolf, in particular, grapples with the temptation of returning to his charismatic, law-breaking ways, but his journey toward choosing the “harder, more honest path” is both compelling and relatable. The Bad Guys’ struggle to fit into society—facing rejection from banks they once robbed—mirrors real-world issues of reintegration and second chances, presented in a way that’s accessible to kids.
My nephew was particularly moved by a scene where the gang reflects on their past mistakes, with Snake admitting his fear of being defined by his old ways. The film’s message that “everybody’s worth more than the worst thing they’ve ever done” (a nod to Sister Helen Prejean’s philosophy, as noted in an America Magazine review) struck a chord with my sister, who later sparked a conversation with her son about how people can grow and change. The emphasis on teamwork and accountability within the group—each member supporting the others through doubts and setbacks—reinforces the value of loyalty. My nephew beamed when Wolf and Snake shared a heartfelt moment, declaring, “They’re best friends, like me and my buddies!”
The inclusion of strong female characters, like Commissioner Misty Luggins and the Bad Girls, adds depth to these themes. Their leadership and competence challenge stereotypes, showing that redemption and loyalty transcend gender. My sister, a advocate for empowering role models in media, appreciated how the film portrayed women as both allies and adversaries, each with agency and complexity.
A Family Outing to Remember
Our trip to the AMC theater was a highlight of the summer, made even more special by The Bad Guys 2. The plush recliners, booming sound system, and massive screen amplified the film’s vibrant energy, immersing us in every chase and quip. My nephew, usually fidgety during movies, was glued to the screen, laughing hysterically at Piranha’s antics and gasping during the space sequence. My sister and I exchanged knowing glances during the sharper adult jokes, appreciating the film’s ability to cater to our different tastes. The 104-minute runtime flew by, and as the credits rolled to a catchy soundtrack featuring Busta Rhymes and Sofi Tukker, we were already discussing our favorite moments.
The film’s pacing is near-perfect, balancing action, humor, and heart without dragging. While some critics have noted the plot’s predictability or convoluted space detour, we found it added to the film’s charm, embracing the absurdity in a way that felt true to the Bad Guys’ chaotic spirit. The voice cast’s chemistry—Rockwell’s sly delivery, Maron’s deadpan humor, and Lyonne’s commanding presence as a new villain—elevates every scene, making the characters feel like old friends.
Addressing Parental Concerns
While The Bad Guys 2 is a fantastic family film, parents should be aware of a few elements. The mild profanity (“hell,” “butt”) and suggestive banter may prompt questions from older kids, though it’s unlikely to faze most. The cartoon violence, while exaggerated, includes moments like knife-throwing and choking that might be intense for very young viewers. Parents should also note the film’s portrayal of crime as “cool,” even as it ultimately champions redemption. My sister found it helpful to talk with my nephew afterward about the difference between the movie’s fun heists and real-world consequences, ensuring the message of change stuck.
A Sequel That Steals Your Heart
The Bad Guys 2 is a rare sequel that builds on its predecessor’s strengths, delivering a sharper, more confident adventure that’s as entertaining for adults as it is for kids. Its dazzling animation, clever humor, and heartfelt messages about redemption and loyalty make it a standout family film. Our AMC theater experience was a joy, filled with laughter, gasps, and shared moments that we’ll cherish. Whether you’re a fan of the first film or new to the Bad Guys’ world, this sequel is a must-see that proves being good can be just as thrilling as being bad. As we left the theater, my nephew declared it “the best movie ever,” and I’m inclined to agree—it’s a heist worth pulling off again and again.
Sources:,,,,,,[](https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/bad-guys-2-2025/)[](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/the-bad-guys-2)[](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_bad_guys_2)
