MOVIE REVIEW | The Bad Guys 2 – DreamWorks Animation’s hit crew of animal outlaws are back in The Bad Guys 2—and they’re just as stylish, funny, and chaotic as ever.
Based on Aaron Blabey’s bestselling books and directed once again by Pierre Perifel, the sequel reunites the crackerjack cast of Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, and Awkwafina, alongside Zazie Beetz, Richard Ayoade, Lilly Singh, and Alex Borstein.
This time, our reformed rogues are adjusting to their new identities as “Good Guys.” But just as they’re finding their footing in the straight life, an all-female squad of criminals ropes them back in for one last job. What follows is a whip-smart heist caper filled with high-energy animation, sharp comedy, and just the right dash of heart.
Watching with three kids ranging from 4 to 11 gave me the clearest sense of the film’s success.
From the very first set-piece, they were glued to the screen—laughing at the slapstick, gasping at the action, and falling in love all over again with the characters. The dazzling animation wowed them (and me), and even the eldest, who has seen his share of big animated blockbusters, admitted he was overwhelmed by how good it looked. The biggest endorsement? Zak’s youngest ended the movie in tears—not from fear, but because it was over and he wanted more. That, in itself, is the gold standard for a family film.
From an adult’s perspective, The Bad Guys 2 works on multiple levels. Like The Lion King or Shrek before it, it manages to be accessible to younger audiences while sprinkling in just enough cheeky humour to keep parents entertained. Daniel Pemberton’s score returns in full force, the banter is razor sharp, and the animation is some of DreamWorks’ finest yet.
Ultimately, The Bad Guys 2 is proof that lightning can strike twice. A sequel that is bigger, funnier, and every bit as charming as the first, it delivers the kind of family-friendly adventure that makes going to the movies a joy. Whether you’re 4, 11, or well past both, there’s something here for everyone.
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Rating
Aaron: 8 / 10 “The Bad Guys 2 is a dazzling, laugh-out-loud sequel that delights kids and parents alike.”
Zak: 9.5 / 10 “The Bad Guys 2 steals the show with wild laughs, slick heists, and heart to spare.”
Cinema Experience:
Event Cinemas continues to prove why it’s one of the best places to catch a blockbuster on the big screen. For the preview screening of The Bad Guys 2, Universal and Event pulled out all the stops, creating a family-friendly atmosphere from the moment we walked in. Free donuts, fizzy drinks, and water set the tone for a fun event and had the kids buzzing with excitement before the film even began.
The cinema itself delivered exactly what this kind of movie demands—crisp, powerful sound that heightened every action sequence and made the lively score shine. Seating was comfortable and well spaced, giving families plenty of room to settle in without feeling cramped.
Staff deserve special mention too, handling the crowd with efficiency and warmth.
Everything ran smoothly and felt well organised, which goes a long way in making a family outing enjoyable rather than stressful.
Overall, Event Cinemas provided the perfect venue for The Bad Guys 2. From the hospitality to the technical quality, it was an excellent reminder of why watching a movie in a great cinema still feels like an event in itself.
Link to Universal HERE
TV Central Movie Reviews HERE
MOVIE REVIEW | The Bad Guys 2
About the Movie
Who’s badder than The Bad Guys? The Bad Girls.
In the new chapter from DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed 2022 action-comedy hit about a crackerjack criminal crew of animal outlaws, The Bad Guys are struggling to find trust and acceptance in their newly minted lives as Good Guys, when they are pulled out of retirement and forced to do “one last job” by an all-female squad of criminals.
Based on the New York Times best-selling book series by Aaron Blabey, The Bad Guys 2 reunites the film’s all-star cast and filmmakers.
Returning to their roles as The Bad Guys are Academy Award® winner Sam Rockwell as dashing reformed pickpocket Mr. Wolf; Marc Maron as safe-cracker Mr. Snake, Craig Robinson as master-of-disguise Mr. Shark, Grammy winner Anthony Ramos as the short-fused Mr. Piranha and Golden Globe winner Awkwafina as expert hacker Ms. Tarantula, aka “Webs”.
The A-list comedic cast includes the return of Zazie Beetz as Diana Foxington, BAFTA winner Richard Ayoade as Professor Marmalade, Emmy winner Alex Borstein as police chief Misty Luggins and Lilly Singh as Tiffany Fluffit.
The Bad Guys 2 is directed by returning filmmaker Pierre Perifel and produced by returning producer Damon Ross. The co-director is JP Sans, who served as head of character animation on The Bad Guys, and the music is by Oscar®-nominated returning composer Daniel Pemberton.
Cast: Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, Awkwafina, Richard Ayoade, Zazie Beetz, Lilly Singh and Alex Borstein
Based on the Books by: Aaron Blabey
Director: Pierre Perifel
Producer: Damon Ross
