For rent on Apple TV, Amazon, YouTube, and Google Play
Recently, I posted a blog entry discussing my reaction to the trailer for the upcoming animated film, Luck. I reminded my beautiful readers of how most Western animation is under the delusion that its only audience is young children. Films such as Toy Story, Zootopia, and just about anything made by Brad Bird have successfully proven the folly of this mindset. Today's subject, The Bad Guys, may not break the ceiling of universal appreciation for both kids and adults. Still, despite being incredibly formulaic, it has just enough good charm and contagious energy to almost surpass it and deliver an entertaining ride. Sometimes, you don't need to be great; just fun!
The story follows a group of friends, the bad guys, the most notorious criminals in town, and the best thieves in the business. They happen to be anthropomorphic animals traditionally seen as vicious and dangerous, so they just decide to embrace that without attempting to do or be anything else, not unlike how Nicholas Wilde felt about himself in Zootopia. While amid a heist, the pack leader, Mr.Wolf, seems to have a stroke of conscience and finds himself interested in actually changing sides and becoming...well...good. Along with most other people, his crew has difficulty believing in his desire to change. But a select few people are willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, including the Mayor, Diane Foxington (an anthropomorphic Fox). Is Mr. Wolf's desire to be better genuine, or is there a grander scheme at play?
The film can best be described as a fun amalgamation of Zootopia meets Ocean's Eleven with a little bit of Loony Toons for good measure: it has a solid and valid message about perception and perspective while delivering a fun and insane heist adventure. While it can sometimes be described as a bit hyper, it's rarely to the point that you can't follow what's happening. It's charming silliness for energy, not merely distracting your kids while you make a sandwich (although it will likely serve that function just fine).
The characters are likable, energetic, and feature pleasant personalities. Especially Mayor Diane Foxington, my winner of the film's MVP award. I won't spoil exactly how, but I will say that it's beyond excellent, earning the film many bonus points.
The animation style is incredibly gorgeous. The lighting, character designs, and textures retain a charming and enjoyable presentation.
While I enjoyed most aspects of the film, it's not without its significant flaws. As I mentioned before, the story is incredibly formulaic, to the point that most plot twists are pretty easy to see coming a mile away. Not to mention specific story turns that have been done to death so much that it's practically like clockwork. Even though it delivered the overly done cliches very well, they're still overly done cliches. This cycle can only maintain itself for so long.
The Bad Guys isn't the most original or nuanced animated work out there, but it is a solid work that delivers some fun laughs and a heartwarming story about friendship and the pleasant feelings that come from doing good. If nothing else, it'll put you in the right mood.
Give it a shot.
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.
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