Like the animated films I grew up with, The Bad Guys finally takes me on the adventure and story I like, instead of getting stuck in check boxes and personal issues to make a realistic story. It's Adventure: What do I like highly about this film? It's that it's an adventure film that finally goes back into escaping from the reality of the world, but still teaches a moral lesson. It's engaging, it's fun, and again it works on multiple levels, with a great performance to again amplify the tale to a quality I like. they never drop the foundation of the movie, keeping those involvements and making the story wrap together nicely and feel organic. Soon, the plot starts to dig into deeper into other elements, trying to give more insight into the morals and characters and trying to twist the plot into new directions. The Bad Guys starts off in the simple aspect you expect it to, high adrenaline comedy crime, and boasting about it afterwards. The Plot: Much like a good book, The Bad Guys wins points again for a book adaptation that felt fleshed out, complete, and again fun. That's right, you don't have to worry about a catchphrase being repeated like crazy, well mostly, and for that, DreamWorks wins the victory for me on the comedy, even if it is not the most mature, clever, or downright unique. The Bad Guys uses it all well and mixes things up to stay fresh, exciting, and filled with variety, all while baking it in naturally and not trying to force it in your face. A witty phrase by a guinea pig, the fickle nature of human trends, even just a perfect phrasing that is comedic gold.
The Comedy: While a bit juvenile at times, the movie's humor is very fun and appropriate for the family. The use of each group is fantastic for me, and I appreciate how just about every character had that purpose and meaning to their inclusion. You, and the younger audiences, will find a character that they absolutely enjoy, and you will get your fill of them in almost every way. Each of the animals may not have all the equal time, but they stand out in unique ways, bring their gifts to the table, and provide a meaningful contribution to the film. And like a good book, this film does it super well with the characters that they promoted. The Character Balance: You've got at least five characters to work into a crime/comedy, and that's not counting a few other characters that have their own involvement in the film. Others hit their marks quite well, and if I had more room, I would go into everyone, but the chemistry between them all is fantastic and really a solid pillar to which this group works. As for Awkwafina, a bit more of the prop character, the actress normally loaded with comedy craziness, was actually toned down and respectable, still not too out of her comfort zone, but a much more well-rounded performance. The two feel very much like the best friends they portray, and I love the ribbing and vigor they have. Marc Maron as Snake is stellar, another loaded gun that has his own turmoil to face, but yet holds the sass and vigor of someone who is ingrained in his ways.
Sam Rockwell nails the lead role well, and I feel he did a great job playing the conflicted "hero" who has a lot of soul searching to find. The Voice Acting: These actors give me chills at what they can pull out of their vocal patterns, and The Bad Guys crew is loaded with wonderful performances that fit the bill quite well.
It really is a fine-balanced movie on this part and wins points for me. Yet, the pace is not breakneck, capable of still giving plenty of time to storytelling and allowing the older audience members to enjoy the movie as well. Kids will surely love the hasty pace of the film, dazzling you with all the quick paced adventure and comedy that comes with it. LIKES: The Pace: Kid's movies are always entertaining and this movie has all the engaging pieces I like at the speed that is entertaining.