The Bad Guys 2 4K 2025

DreamWorks Animation is an extremely controversial studio. On the one hand, it gave us Shrek, Madagascar, How to Train Your Dragon, and Kung Fu Panda—legendary projects, without exaggeration. On the other hand, the studio is not averse to occasionally releasing half-measures designed more for profit than for creative identity. But Bad Boys is a unique case that stands out from the crowd. The cartoon itself is perceived as a parody of Zootopia with multiple references: Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Mission: Impossible, Ocean's Twelve, and even its own Underwater Gang. But despite its secondary nature and simplicity, the project turned out to be incredibly stylish! The phenomenal synergy of visual techniques and soundtrack (from original songs by Daniel Pemberton to covers of The Black Keys, Julie London, The Chemical Brothers, Billie Eilish, and more). And, perhaps, this overall caricature has turned into its own style, which may not be groundbreaking, but provides a unique viewing experience. What was so enjoyable about the second part?

The plot. They tried to quit crime... but crime didn't quit them! Our favorite dim-witted villains are back — and this time they face a new threat: a gang of daring “Bad Girls” who are planning a grand heist. Now our “reformed” heroes will have to dust off their old skills to stop them... or accidentally lead this crazy heist!

The original cartoon didn't have a complex and convoluted plot, so it would be strange to expect something like that in the sequel. Yes, the plot is extremely simple and banal: this part features classic elements from Bond films or the latest Fast and Furious movies (there are even some heart-wrenching speeches about family). The cartoon makes no pretensions, but it knows this and plays on it very creatively. It is curious that, despite all its triviality, the cartoon managed to deepen its characters and reveal the themes touched upon in the first part more broadly. At the same time, it is worth noting that the most exciting part of the sequel is the prologue, which tells about one of the most high-profile robberies five years ago. To some extent, it feels foreign to the story, but at the same time, it sets the tone for the action from the very beginning, which is maintained throughout the entire film.

Style. This is perhaps the best aspect of the cartoon. What I liked in the first part has been preserved here. The creators analyzed the audience's reaction, took all the best parts, and thoroughly pumped them up. The visual effects and animation are simply stunning (the rocket launch scene was very memorable). But what's even cooler is the combination of visuals and music, which takes the action scenes of chases and fights to some cosmic level. This time, viewers will encounter Lenny Kravitz, P. Diddy, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, The Notorious B.I.G., 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, and Justin Timberlake—it all sounds cool, expensive, and very organic.

Humor. To be honest, it's borderline here. It feels like the creators are more into fart jokes than most kids. The level of absurdity in the sequel is even higher, which may put some people off. Nevertheless, the boldness of these jokes has also increased, for which they deserve special respect. Among all the variety, every viewer will surely be able to find the joke that appeals to them.