By Kayla DeKraker
According to director Pierre Perifel, THE BAD GUYS 2, which released Aug. 1, is all about second chances.
“The sequel really is an extension of that theme, I think it’s really about reinsertion,” he told Movieguide®’s Kaelii Williams. “It’s really about getting a second chance and how you exploit it and how hard it is sometimes for people to give you that second chance and how, through hope and perseverance, you can get people to see you differently and accept you finally for who you really are.”
The movie, a follow-up to 2022’s THE BAD GUYS, sees “The Bad Guys…struggling to find trust and acceptance in their newly minted lives as Good Guys, when they are pulled out of retirement and forced to do ‘one last job’ by an all-female squad of criminals.”
“I think that’s what we’re exploring. There is the second step of that perfect change that the Bad Guys made in the first movie,” he continued. “And because that second step is tricky. We’re also exploring the idea of doubting…and sometimes wanting to, well, reverse course and come back to who you used to be, because it was easier, it was more comfortable.”
This lesson is one that can be found in the Bible, as sometimes sinners are tempted to return to their sin. Proverbs 26:11 reminds us that “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.”
One unique aspect of this film is its transition between silly and serious.
“A trademark of BAD GUYS, you really can go dumb and silly and stupid, and really can go so very cinematic and…very cool and very, very adult in a way,” Perifel added.
When it comes to viewers, the director has two things he hopes viewers take away from the movie.
First, “I hope they talk about how much fun they had watching it…how much of a ride this movie is and share that with everyone,” he said. “It’s like an hour and a half where you just have a good time, you know? So that’s the main thing.”
He added, “We had a good time making it, and we wanted people to really experience that on a big screen, just really be taken for the ride.”
Second, besides just watching an enjoyable film, Perifel hopes it reminds people of their true identity.
“Now in terms of thematic, of course, it’s really just like when talking as a family and just being able to just say that, you know, labels are not what defines you. They are just labels,” he said. “And then deep down, you’re not that person. You’re not that label necessarily.”
He explained that “even if people have a hard time seeing that,” you should “keep persevering and keep hoping,” adding, “If you make the right choices, distinguish yourself and just make the right action and direct choices, eventually it’s going to pay off.”
Movieguide®’s review of THE BAD GUYS 2 reads, “After turning good, Mr. Wolf and his team are having a tough time finding honest work, because no one wants to hire former criminals. When a gold wrestling belt is stolen, Wolf and his team are framed.”
Movieguide® notes that the film “has a strong moral worldview about overcoming temptation and doing good no matter what. However, the movie has some strong cartoon violence, lots of jeopardy and some parts that may be too scary for younger children.”
A post to Instagram calls the film “A criminally good sequel.”
The film is currently playing in theaters for those interested in watching a family-friendly movie with positive lessons about redemption and making the right decisions.
Read Next: Why THE BAD GUYS Director Chose to Include Biblical Values in His Movie
Questions or comments? Please write to us here.
- Content: +1Share:
- Content: +4