The Bad Guys: Movie Review

Cast: Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Richard Ayoade, Craig Robinson, Awkwafina, Zazie Beetz
Director: Pierre Perifel

With its 4th wall breaking and knowing script, The Bad Guys takes the books from Aaron Blabey and gives it an Ocean's 11 spin, with animals taking centre stage.

A wonderfully cast Rockwell is Mr Wolf, the head of the Bad Guys criminal gang, who along with his confidant and long-term pal Mr Snake (Maron) set out to steal a statue from a prize giving for sanctimonious gerbil Professor Marmalade.

So with the possibility of another job zipping around his brain, Mr Wolf seems to have it all planned - but when he gets a thrill from doing the right thing, he begins to wonder - is being bad the right thing to do, or is being good the way to go?

The Bad Guys' commitment to anarchic humour and a solid caper outing makes it a film for all ages to enjoy. Writ large with zany characters, some whipsmart writing and a visually engaging style, the jump from the page for Aaron Blabey's books is a surefire school holiday winner - even though it has a dangerous lull two-thirds of the way through.

With nods to George Clooney throughout (Mr Wolf is even told not to try Clooney-ing a would-be victim), Sam Rockwell really comes into his own, imbuing Mr Wolf with a charm and charisma that's hard to deny as the frenetic pace of the film settles into something more of a rhythm and its story.

While Zazie Beetz' mayor may remind a certain section of the audience of Zootopia's Judy Hopps, the film's originality and pace help it greatly to overcome any familiar storyline trappings (being good isn't all bad, never forgetting friendships etc etc). Richard Ayoade's Professor Marmalade makes a perfect foil - and ultimately, The Bad Guys gels overall.

It may feel good being good, but based on The Bad Guys' first outing, being bad is better - and the cinema options for the family this Easter are all the more improved for it.