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The Bad Guys

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General Review

Parent's Guide to The Bad Guys

The Bad Guys is a 2022 animated heist comedy film from DreamWorks Animation, loosely based on the popular children's book series by Aaron Blabey. The movie centers on a notorious group of anthropomorphic animal criminals, led by the charming Mr. Wolf, who are finally apprehended after a lifetime of successful heists. To avoid prison, they strike a deal to reform under the tutelage of the benevolent Professor Marmalade. While initially feigning good behavior, Mr. Wolf begins to question his criminal ways and finds himself genuinely drawn to the idea of being good. The film explores themes of redemption, challenging stereotypes, and the inherent value of kindness, wrapped in a fast-paced narrative filled with comedic action and witty dialogue. It is largely targeted at families and children, offering a kid-friendly take on the heist genre with positive underlying messages.

Things to Consider

Medium4
LGBTQ & Gender IdentityViolenceScary & Intense ContentDisrespect & Rebellion
Low5
Romance and Sexual ContentProfanityWitchcraft & OccultSubstance UseAnti-Christian Themes

Additional Context

Best For Ages

The Bad Guys is generally recommended for children aged 6 and older. While the MPAA rates it PG for action and rude humor, younger children (under 5) may find some of the intense action sequences, peril, and the transformation of a character into a 'crazed evil scientist' unsettling. Parents of children aged 5-9 should provide guidance, especially concerning the depiction of criminal activities and slapstick violence, and discuss the movie's themes of morality and redemption.

Good to Know

The film's animation style is influenced by various crime films like 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Ocean's Eleven,' and anime series, offering a unique visual experience. The sequel, 'The Bad Guys 2,' continues the story of the characters attempting to integrate into society while facing new challenges, and introduces new female villains, maintaining a similar PG rating for comparable content.

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