The Bad Guys 2 Review: The Moon Heist That Proves The Bad Guys Are Now Good

 

Copyright © Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation

Title: The Bad Guys 2

Director: Pierre Perifel Sequel to: The Bad Guys (2022) Based on: The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey

Release Date: August 1, 2025

    It's time for Mr. Wolf and his crew to come back. Not only did Kung Fu Panda get a sequel last year, but another furry-popular IP recently got its continuation as well. Today's movie is The Bad Guys 2, the new (and criminal) sequel to The Bad Guys. With a budget of $80 million, the movie gained a box-office success on its opening weekend, causing the movie to rule it out with $9.1 million gross. Just like with the previous film, it gained positive reviews from both critics and audiences. People liked this sequel for its sharp humor, stylized animation, and action-packed sequences. At the same level as its predecessor, The Bad Guys 2 is the heist that ticks all the boxes to being over-the-top good.

Summary

   "Reformed criminals Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Shark and Ms. Tarantula are trying very hard to be good. However, they soon find themselves hijacked into a high-stakes heist that's masterminded by a new team of delinquents they never saw coming -- the Bad Girls." - Google

Reasons

    The facts that keep The Bad Guys 2 from being bad are the crazy story, strong messages, and lovable characters. Even though The Bad Guys are no longer stealing things, they are using their past skills to stop new criminals called The Bad Girls. It has as many twists that match with the film's chaotic tone. To still be faithful to the book series, an interstellar plot is now used because some of the books did take place in space. Like any other DreamWorks movie, this sequel has amazing messages. To get the space shuttle out of the room, the story shows that society should give the redeemed a second chance, especially if they have a controversial past. It also uses messages of stereotypes and hope in a similar vein to the original. As the final good thing in this paragraph, the characters are lovable beyond their scary exteriors. Of course, the returning characters like Mr. Wolf, Diane Foxington, and the rest of the crew shine another time with their different skills and new struggles. As for the new characters, the only ones who arrived are The Bad Girls, but they also shine as a new challenge.
    A few other things that make The Bad Guys 2 good instead of bad are the stylized animation, sharp humor, and catchy soundtrack. Like in the first movie, it uses CGI animation in a 2D filter. For the most part, its action sequences have become more cinematic and fun. Despite appearing only twice, one thing that I liked is that it now uses 2D shots to make it look like an anime. Other than delivering amazing action, the humor is as hilarious as the original had it. From heist hijinks to character-driven slapstick, the movie has any joke you would ask for. It even uses fart jokes in good delivery. Last but not least, the soundtrack is a banger library with the first movie's vibe. For the score, Daniel Pemberton returns to compose the background music to play behind the crime action. On a higher note, the original songs, mostly "GOODLIFE" by Rag'n'Bone Man and WizTheMc, show that the franchise is not afraid to let out its swag.

Conclusion

    To conclude, The Bad Guys 2 is yet another masterpiece heist from a masterpiece DreamWorks IP, even though I am sorry for being biased here. Because of what happened with Puss in Boots: The Last Wish three years ago, we learned that a second movie means a superb sequel. It has everything that no one wants to miss: big twists, silly characters, and punchy humor. Plus, the animation is as colorful as expected from its respective company. No matter if you read the books or not, steal a ticket to just see this one, especially if you are a veteran of the franchise.

    Score: 10/10 (why is she in his mouth!?)