THE BAD GUYS is the first screener this year that I watched twice before my time expired, and I watched one specific scene (y’all know me, it involves a cat of course) in all its hilarity at least five times!
The film follows a group of thieves known as “The Bad Guys,” Mr. Wolf (Sam Rockwell), Mr. Snake (Marc Maron), Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson), Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos), and Ms. Tarantula (Awkwafina). When they are insulted publicly by Governor Foxington (Zazie Beets), who downplays their last heist, they decide to up the ante and pull off an “Ocean’s 11” type of robbery. When the plan goes awry, they are given the chance to suspend jail time and work with famous speaker/motivator Professor Marmalade (Richard Ayoade) to change their lives, and ultimately their image, and become “Good Guys.” But maintaining the image proves problematic and the group must fight external and internal conflicts to ultimately become who they are meant.
A fun and savvy animated romp, the film opens like a G-rated “Pulp Fiction,” “Blues Brothers,” and “Miami Vice,” minus the profanity and violence, and ends up championing great moral and life lessons – especially one on accountability.
I loved everything about this film, from the story to the soundtrack to its humor. And, like several of the CGI films I’ve reviewed in past years that involve animals, I really enjoyed the attention given to animal behaviors and instincts – Mr. Wolf and his tail is a great example (you’ll see it!).
I rate it 5 out of 5 on the MMTrometer.
THE BAD GUYS opened in theaters April 22.
Until next thought,
Music Movies Thoughts 