The Bad Guys (2022)

The Bad Guys is the kind of animated caper that moves like a slick getaway car—stylish, fast, and grinning the whole time. Director Pierre Perifel gives DreamWorks a fresh jolt of energy with punchy, comic-book-inspired visuals and action beats that feel playful rather than noisy, while the humor lands with a wink that works for kids and adults alike. Sam Rockwell’s Mr. Wolf anchors the fun with effortless charm, and the whole crew bounces off each other like a perfectly timed heist team. If you’re looking for a family movie that’s more “cool crime comedy” than sugary bedtime story, this one’s an easy, crowd-pleasing steal.

The Bad Guys is clearly aiming for a slick, kid-friendly crime caper with a “can the villains change?” hook, and it does deliver fast pacing, colorful animation, and a likable voice cast. The catch is that the story leans heavily on familiar redemption beats and well-worn heist-comedy rhythms, so if you’re hoping for something genuinely surprising or sharp, it can feel a bit paint-by-numbers. The humor is hit-or-miss—more goofy and broad than clever—and the climax gets noisy and chaotic in a way that may test your patience. If you enjoy energetic animated movies with a harmless message and style to spare, you’ll probably have fun; if you’re allergic to formula and tired gags, this one may feel like a pleasant trifle rather than a standout.