Marking the directorial debut of Pierre Perifel, Dreamworks’ latest film The Bad Guys is based on the synonymous series of children’s graphic novels by Aaron Blabey. The film focuses on a gang of animal criminals, led by Mr Wolf (Sam Rockwell), who has made a deal to reform to avoid serving prison time.
In a world where animals and humans co-exist, the Bad Guys is a recognised criminal gang that is known for its heists and robberies. One particular day, Mr Wolf proposes one grand heist involving the Golden Dolphin, a prize to be rewarded to philanthropist Professor Marmalade (Richard Ayoade). When things go awry, Marmalade proposes to governor Diane Foxington (Zazie Beetz) that if he can reform the gang as ‘the good guys’, they can be pardoned. Little do they know that another threat is on the horizon, and it is up to the Bad Guys to save the day.
In contrast to other Dreamworks films such as the Shrek franchise and Despicable Me, Perifel’s animation style is slightly different. It brings a nostalgia with a twang of Looney Tunes that highlights the emotional extremes of the characters (especially Alex Borstein’s highly strung Chief Luggins) while aspects of popular culture such as fairy tales (Little Red Riding Hood, Three Little Pigs) and phobias (spiders, snakes, going into the sea…) reinforce the gang’s villainous personas. The plot subsequently and quickly establishes them as scary and publicly known bad guys, which somewhat facilitates the success of their robberies as their victims and bystanders run away in fear. All of which feeds their confidence, nay arrogance in committing a series of successful robberies and heists, yet they are surprisingly insecure when they are called ‘has beens’ by governor Diane Foxington (Zazie Beetz). In addition, being public enemy number one makes them instantly recognisable, which allows others to easily (and literally) steal the show.
Unfortunately, The Bad Guys lacks originality in both narrative and aesthetics, so it becomes increasingly predictable. From the Pulp Fiction-inspired intro and shots of the famous LA River to the ‘scary’ animal tropes of each protagonist, the film stays in its comfort zone as a madcap adventure that sees the loveable rogues risk their friendships and street cred for challenging heroics. Screenwriters Etan Cohen and Henry Winston try to include twists to help deliver layers in its character development and story but as they stack up, they threaten to overcomplicate what is essentially a children’s film.
However, the Bad Guys is fun to watch. In his debut feature, Perifel takes his experience on Kung Fu Panda 2 and Rise of the Guardians to visualise a textured, vivid canvas that complements the protagonists’ own quirks and the endearing friendship between Wolf and Snake (Marc Maron) reinforces the coolness of the gang. Aided by the screenplay, the vocal performances also help lift the film’s entertainment factor, as Rockwell and Beetz offer charm and confidence as their characters develop an intriguing connection while Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos and Awkwafina deliver comedic performances.
Coming across as the chaotic offspring of Ocean’s Eleven and Zootopia, The Bad Guys asks the all-too-familiar question: can bad guys be ‘good’? It is occasionally formulaic but it’s a melee of cool and enjoyable chaos.
The Bad Guys is out in UK cinemas on 1 April.
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Director: Pierre Perifel; Etan Cohen, Henry Winston (screenwriters)
Stars: Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, Awkwafina, Richard Ayoade, Zazie Beetz, Lilly Singh, Alex Borstein
Runtime: 100 minutes
Country: USA, Australia
