THE BAD GUYS

THE BAD GUYS is an animated action comedy based on the book series by Aaron Blabey about classic animal villains in their pursuit of redemption.

THE BAD GUYS opens with Wolf, the leader of the pack, explaining how he’s always the villain and never the hero. Because it’s expected of him, Wolf pursues a life of crime, further devolving into his wicked ways. Wolf’s best friend is Snake, who says his ultimate goal in life is to eat a guinea pig because they are “pure goodness.”

The movie opens with Snake and Wolf enjoying a meal at the diner ahead of their heist as Wolf wishes Snake a happy birthday. The rest of the crew is comprised of Shark, the master of disguise; Tarantula, aka “Webs,” a hacker; and Piranha, who’s known for his very smelly flatulence. As the crew begins their heist, each of them bemoans how everybody is afraid of them, and they feel like they’ll forever be relegated to being, well, The Bad Guys.

After robbing the bank and evading the bumbling chief of police, the crew heads back to their lair to celebrate Snake’s birthday. A smattering of photographs on the refrigerator reveal that they’ve become their own family. Shark teases Snake about how he must have a kind heart deep down, but Snake maintains he’ll always be diabolical.

While at the lair, the new mayor, Diane Foxington, calls The Bad Guys crew “has beens,” and asks the media to instead turn their attention to the upcoming Good Samaritan Awards to honor people who serve the community. The ultimate Good Samaritan will be awarded with a Golden Dolphin. Not to be dissuaded, The Bad Guys decide they’re going to steal the Golden Dolphin from the Good Samaritan Awards.

The Golden Dolphin is expected to go to Professor Marmalade, a guinea pig who became a community hero when he inspired the town to shift their perspective from seeing trash to seeing treasure after a meteorite crashed into the city. In this, the Professor is paraphrasing Isaiah 61:3 about exchanging beauty for ashes. Marmalade says he doesn’t do good because of the award, but because of how it makes him feel.

Wolf is on his way to retrieve the Golden Dolphin when he unintentionally saves an old lady from tripping down the stairs. She thanks him profusely, calling him a “Good boy.” As Wolf’s tail wags, he’s confused, because no one has called him “Good” before, and he begins to realize that doing the right thing can be quite satisfying. Here, viewers begin to see the seeds of good planted in Wolf’s life.

However, Wolf shakes it off and tries to steal the trophy anyway. However, the gang is caught red-pawed. As they’re about to be carted away to jail, Professor Marmalade asks Foxington for the chance to redeem The Bad Guys and teach them to do good. Foxington reluctantly agrees, and, to the police chief’s dismay, The Bad Guys are released into Marmalade’s care.

Marmalade then begins to coach The Bad Guys in the ways of doing good. Much of these activities are based on serving their neighbor, which Marmalade insists will give them a “tingle of goodness.” He encourages The Bad Guys to share. He also stresses self-sacrifice, telling them that a good person puts the needs of others ahead of their own. The team makes progress, and Marmalade plans to show them off at the next Good Samaritan gala.

As the evening arrives, The Bad Guys are confused because people aren’t running in terror or screaming at them. Instead, people have now begun to embrace them not as The Bad Guys, but as The Good Guys for their reformed behavior. Everyone is all chummy as Marmalade prepares to finally receive the Golden Dolphin.

It turns out, however, that the evening was all an elaborate set up to frame The Bad Guys … but why? And, who’s behind the frame? Will their newfound good habits remain? Or, will The Bad Guys succumb to their old ways?

THE BAD GUYS presents a very Christian, biblical worldview with a simple but powerful story that shows no one is beyond redemption. Professor Marmalade paraphrases biblical concepts like exchanging ashes for beauty, stressing the fruits of the Spirit such as joy, peace, patience, and self-control, and promoting self-sacrifice, helping your neighbors and putting your friend’s wants and needs above your own.

THE BAD GUYS is an excellent adventure depicted in a European animated style. The characters are engaging and likable, especially when they start to experience the power of doing good instead of evil. The movie is quite clever, with several humorous moments. There are some questionable elements, such as cartoon violence, social drinking and euphemisms for expletives. One scene depicts some animals under mind control and may be frightening to young children. The story in THE BAD GUYS is overwhelmingly positive, though, and outshines the negative elements. MOVIEGUIDE ® advises caution for younger children.