The Bad Guys (2022), PG, 1 hr 40 min

The Bad Guys

Year: 2022
Franchise: The Bad Guys
Franchise #: 1 (First feature film adaptation of the graphic novel series by Aaron Blabey)
Total Runtime: 100 minutes 
MPAA Rating: PG (for action and rude humor) 

Tagline “Good is no fun at all.” 

Main Cast
Sam Rockwell – Mr. Wolf
Marc Maron – Mr. Snake
Craig Robinson – Mr. Shark
Anthony Ramos – Mr. Piranha
Awkwafina – Ms. Tarantula / Webs
Richard Ayoade – Professor Marmalade
Zazie Beetz – Diane Foxington
Alex Borstein – Police Chief Misty Luggins  

Reviews

Synopsis
This is a lively animated heist movie where a gang of “bad guy” animals—Mr. Wolf, Snake, Shark, Piranha, and Tarantula—are forced to clean up their act under the watch of reformed thief-turned-governor Diane Foxington. As Mr. Wolf begins to enjoy doing good, he uncovers a plot by supposed hero Professor Marmalade. Soon the gang must choose growth over greed and prove that anyone can change for the better.  

Overview
Think Ocean’s Eleven meets Into the Spider-Verse, but with talking animals and bright caper action. The animation is stylized and energetic, the jokes land for both kids and adults, and the story emphasizes second chances. Piggy stereotypes get flipped, and the writing is surprisingly sharp. It’s smart, whimsical, and always on the move.  

Family Friendliness
Rated PG, the movie features playful cartoon violence—car crashes, slapstick, mild fighting—but nothing graphic. There’s a little potty humor (“fart,” “butt”), very mild language, and a couple of implied sips of cocktails at parties. It’s generally suitable for kids aged ~6+ with parental guidance for younger viewers around some intense scenes.  

Christian Perspective
At its heart, The Bad Guys is about redemption and identity. It challenges labels—being “bad” isn’t destiny—and urges empathy, humility, and community-first thinking (Philippians 2:3‑5). One reviewer even quotes the film aligning with Philippians when Diane reminds Wolf “foxes and wolves aren’t that different at their core.” The characters model sacrificial choices and reject stereotypes. While not overtly Christian, it echoes gospel themes about forgiveness, choice, and transformation.  

Critics Ratings
IMDb: 7.4/10 (user score)  
Rotten Tomatoes: 88% Critics / approx. 76% Audience  
Metacritic: 64/100 (Generally Favorable)  
Dove Foundation: Family‑friendly overall; minor caution recommended for younger kids due to cartoon action and mild potty humor  
My Rating: 8.5/10 – Energetic, clever, and surprisingly thoughtful for a kids’ caper

Notable Scenes
Opening Diner Heist: A sleek Tarantino-inspired one-shot introducing the gang in full caper mode
Guinea Pig Escape: Mr. Snake’s prison tensions escalate into a hilariously violent breakout
Art Sculpture Moment: Wolf and Governor Foxington debate perception over a statue that looks like trash until it casts a swan shadow  
Cartoon Car Chase: The gang races in stylized slow-motion, chased by police on motorbikes
Mind-Controlled Guinea Pig Stampede: Comical chaos caused by evil guinea pigs under mind control
Final Redemption Speech: The gang publicly embraces doing good, even after people doubt them

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