The Wasteland Reviewer

The Bad Guys 2 (2025) Written Review

Are we ready for a new job with the titular Bad Guys? This is a fun and beloved book series in recent years that has gotten plenty of kids excited for this crew of anthropomorphic thieves. Aaron Blabey created such a fun bunch of characters that translated so well on screen in The Bad Guys. The first film left the crew at a big crossroads. Released from prison, they decide to start a life of doing good and going straight. That is where The Bad Guys 2 brings the audience into Pierre Perifel’s new film with Wolf, Snake, Shark, Piranha, and Tarantula all trying to start their new lives. But like any criminal breaking good…someone wants to pull them back in. 

Does Perifel and company bring the energy and joy back to this sequel? The Bad Guys 2 captures the same high energy, sharp attitude, and cool atmosphere that the first film made. One of the key elements to capture this vibe again is Daniel Pemberton’s score. There is a jazz infused feel that captures the vibes of old school heist films and espionage films. There is also high energy to it to match the lightning pace that the crew lives on. Speed is a key piece to the work of the Bad Guys and Perifel can keep that energy up on screen. With the nature of the story, Perifel shakes up the tone so well especially when highlighting the mundane nature of their new life (like their montage of interviews at the start of the film). There is also a great sense of humor that balances well with the more emotional elements of the film (which this sequel has a surprising amount of heart and soul to it). There are great editing beats that help deliver some of the film’s best gags as well. The animation looks incredible too with the space-focused third act delivering some of the most gorgeous animated sequences you have seen in a long time. There are also a few moments of 2D animation that are leveraged for some storytelling beats and expressions of emotion. They are some of the most fun shots in the film. Finally, the action is exhilarating with its pulsating speed and adrenaline that gives this film so much of its slick and thrilling personality. 

Does the story live up to the thrilling and fun first film? As a sequel, The Bad Guys 2 can explore more into its main story without the bounds of the set-up.  But the films open with a prelude that focuses on an early heist that works as a brilliant action set piece to get the audience going but also to set up what the team left behind and what they will be longing for throughout the film. The transition to mundane interviews and regular life pulls the audience and the crew back into reality so well. But taking the team in a direction of trying to help solve a string of thefts but being dragged in by a new female team is an excellent way to challenge their progression from the first film while still delivering a thrilling and fun romp on screen. There is a great conflict at the center of the film with the Guys being confronted with another team who continues to steal to command respect. The thematic core to the film is a balance between respect and fear which is the driving force for Wolf and the leader of the new team (Kitty Kat). The story gets a little too big with its scale and a bit unwieldy in terms of logic but there are still plenty of thrills and emotions to enjoy. 

Does the cast bring back that same energy from the first film? Sam Rockwell continues to be one of the most infectiously charismatic performers in both live action and animation. He brings humor, cool, and emotion to Wolf whose journey really mirrors the team. Marc Maron is given some interesting new elements to work with as Snake, and he delivers. Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, and Awkwafina all deliver with fun supporting turns to fill out the team. Zazie Beetz and Rockwell have great chemistry together and it brings a lot to the film yet again (anchoring down the romance of the film). Alex Borstein’s high energy and angry turn as the Police Commissioner is the right amount of energy needed, and she is having tons of fun (as you can tell). Natasha Lyonne has a fun dynamic with Maron, and she is always a standout for sure. Karia Bakalova does a nice job in support, but it is Danielle Brooks who shines with a fiery and downright scary at times turn as the villainous Kitty Kat. 

Is The Bad Guys 2 a fun and enjoyable addition to this budding film franchise? This sequel builds on the first for sure and delivers an action-packed and wild new ride for the crew and the audience. The visual effects are excellent and the whole voice cast comes to play. Perifel continues the slick, cool, and thrilling atmosphere that made the first film such a fun ride. This is a sequel that shines brighter than its predecessor while setting up a whole new story full of plenty of promise and potential.