The Bad Guys 2
The Bad Guys 2 is playing in theaters at the time of writing. Rated PG. Common Sense says 6+.
The Bad Guys are 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.
STORY: A-
No child left behind.
The film has plenty of twists and double crosses. But they don’t run too fast or zigzag in too many different directions.
It’s a fun, easy to follow heist film, perfect for young audiences.
PEOPLE: B+
The voices rarely step out of their lane.
Wolf charms. Snake harumphs. Spider snarks. Shark panics. And piranha toots. The characters may be one note, but all it takes is a few notes played well together to form a beautiful chord.
Every actor lands their character’s note in the perfect spot, making this team a joy to spend time with.
FILM NERD STUFF: A-
Abundant allusions will keep the grown ups smiling.
This film’s movie references don’t whisper or politely tap you on the shoulder. They jump up and down. They wave their arms wildly. They even have a megaphone.
The heist involves a chemical called Macguffinite. “Macguffin” is a term for something that moves a story’s plot forward but ultimately isn’t that important. The name choice shows that the real story isn’t the heist but the friends’ inner journey.
ONE BIG LESSON: B+
It’s not easy being good.
Our personal traits don’t always travel in a straight, even line. Some days we’re very good boys and girls. Other days, we’re just kind of good. Or good-ish. Or not.
No one gets it perfect every day. And that’s ok. The best way to be the person you want to be is to know what you want to be and keep on trying your best every day to be that person.
FINAL COMMENTS:
This is a great film to get kids hooked on movies. It’s got an easy to follow heist plot and plenty of allusions.
If they like the movie, I’d suggest kids try Fantastic Mr. Fox or National Treasure next. And someday when they’re a little older and watch The Sixth Sense, The Silence of the Lambs, or Casablanca, they’ll smile when they’re reminded of a scene from this movie.
Parents, please treat your kids to one more magical moment at the movies this summer, and take them to see The Bad Guys 2.