The Bad Guys 2 ★★★

Released: 25 July 2025

Director: Pierre Perifel, JP Sans

Starring: Sam Rockwell, Craig Robinson, Awkwafina, Anthony Ramos

When The Bad Guys was released in 2022, the adaptation based on Aaron Blabey’s children’s book series was a hit among critics and audiences. The combination of its cool vibe and distinct animation style saw it step away from DreamWorks’ notable franchises, such as Shrek and How to Train Your Dragon, while establishing animator Pierre Perifel as a talent to watch as a filmmaker. Three years after its release, the director is revisiting the gang in a high-octane adventure.

Starring Sam Rockwell, Zazie Beetz, Craig Robinson, and Danielle Brooks, The Bad Guys 2 see the eponymous gang trying to go legit. While their efforts are in vain, they soon find themselves at odds with a new gang, whose plans lure the group to return to their criminal ways.

While The Bad Guys marked Perifel’s directorial debut feature, the sequel marks his first project since. It may feel like a missed opportunity for the director to spread his wings, but it allows the filmmaker to refine the style of the franchise, as well as determine the right direction for its future. In The Bad Guys 2, Perifel’s screenplay focuses on people given the benefit of the doubt – during a disastrous job interview, Wolf (Sam Rockwell) eloquently says: “Anyone who wants to change needs to start somewhere” – a feat easier said than done, as suspicions run thick and fast. From the Bad Guys trying to find normal jobs but unable to escape their pasts, to Snake (Marc Maron)’s ulterior motives when he starts adopting a healthy lifestyle, their shadiness all point to them being cold-hearted criminals – even when a new criminal dubbed the Phantom Bandit is on a crime spree across the city. The first film makes a point of why these characters are to be feared, but this film makes a point of why they are to be trusted.

Similar to its predecessor, the narrative and thoughtful screenplay show that even seasoned criminals have a vulnerability inside them. There is more at stake than their innocence and freedom, so the characters find themselves more guided by their emotions than greed. Wolf’s relationship with Governor Diane (Beetz) is a particular example – though choosing to be friends, they are both quietly flirty with each other and find themselves willing to protect and help each other. In addition, the Bad Guys are willing to risk everything rather than see one of the gang go down, compared to the all-female gang, the Bad Girls, whose unapologetic leader, Kitty Cat (Brooks), will readily harm others. It is this budding loyalty that makes the Bad Guy so endearing, with their sibling-like camaraderie evoking audience-friendly notes of comedy amid a polished, amped-up heist film. 

Complemented by the cast’s sassy vocal performances, Perifel’s modernised animation style heightens its aesthetics while its tonal balance better adheres to audiences of all ages. Several twists keep audiences on the edge of their seats with the element of surprise, and quick wit, heightening the entertainment factor, with snap-quick edits appealing to gigglesome comedy.

In addition, the vibrancy of The Bad Guys 2 is supported by bold colours and daring animation, with a smattering of high-paced heists proving that they were happiest being bad, compared to the sullen palette of the straight life. So when criminal notoriety piques their interest once more, the dazzlingly bright animation immerses the film in bright colours and frenetically animated sequences, with a frenzied yet dazzling lucha fight. However, some scenes do feel overly chaotic or drawn out for entertainment purposes (an elaborate crime scene breakdown, as well as the space-based finale), so it is hard to nail down a consistent level of action in what is, essentially, a kids’ film.

As it sets up a potential threequel, The Bad Guys 2 proves that there are more stories to tell with the gang with Perifel at the mantle. Despite its bumpy pacing, it is a fun-filled, audience-friendly caper.