“The Bad Guys” blends traditionally hand-drawn animation with CGI to transform Aaron Blabey’s book series of the same name into a fun-filled action-packed heist comedy. Now, after its theatrical run, the film is now available for a home entertainment release, which means you can watch the Pierre Perifel-directed flick again and again and enjoy the behind-the-scenes content as well.
We’ve already reviewed the film, but “The Bad Guys” centers on a group of animal criminal masterminds who enjoy the art of the heist. First, there’s the charismatic Mr. Wolf (Sam Rockwell), whose genius knows no bounds. Next, Mr. Snake (Marc Maron) cracks safes with ease. Then there’s the brawler and getaway driver, Mr. Piranaha (Anthony Ramos). Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson) is a master of disguise. And Ms. Tarantula can hack into any system. Though the five have been able to pull off these elaborate heists, their reputations as master criminals come under attack from Governor Diane Foxington (Zazie Beetz). They decide to pull off the ultimate job by stealing a prestigious award from Professor Marmalade (Richard Ayoade) at a gala.
Though the group gets caught in the process, they devise a way to avoid jail time by pretending to do good while planning to steal the award. However, as they progress further into their reformation, Mr. Wolf suddenly finds himself wanting to do good, which puts him in conflict with his friends.
“The Bad Guys” was an absolute thrill to watch. Honestly, it’s too smart for its own good with its witty writing inspired by Quentin Tarantino and the Ocean 11 films. And the kinetic action sequences and engaging conversations help the colorful visuals pop off the screen. Every moment is earned, which helps audiences be more fully engaged with the story that plays out on screen. There’s even a musical number featuring Mr. Piranha signing an original song that makes you want to get up and dance. What’s more, the film’s themes about identity and exploring the concepts of good and bad are clever for a much younger demographic, while the nods to the Tarantino films are something that adults and parents can connect with.
So there is a bit of something for everyone. And for “The Bad Guys,” you take the good with the bad. Even if that bad is really good.
For the bonus features, one of my favorites is the Feature Commentary with Director Pierre Perifel, Producer Damon Ross, Head of Story Nelson Yokota, Head of Character Animation JP Sans, and Production Designer Luc Desmarchelier. This bonus feature is chock-full of interesting tidbits that may not have been shared during the press junkets or other epk material. A must-watch for those who love to get some insight into the production of animated films.
The “Maraschino Ruby” is an excellent short that revisits these characters on a brand new heist that features its titular ruby and a ring pop. As you can imagine, there will be plenty of switcharoos going on with our favorite cast of animal criminal masterminds.
The Blu-ray also comes with the traditional deleted scenes – five of them – and some EPK stuff. But the frozen push-pop recipes and how to draw adds some family fun. And considering how hot it will be this summer, cooling down with some frozen push-pops and drawing inside with the A/C sounds like a lot of fun.
Here’s a full list of the bonus features you can expect to see on the Blu-ray.
- Feature Commentary with Director Pierre Perifel, Producer Damon Ross, Head of Story Nelson Yokota, Head of Character Animation JP Sans, and Production Designer Luc Desmarchelier. (1:40:07)
- “Maraschino Ruby” – all-new original short (3:50)
- Five (5) Deleted Scenes (10:53)
- Original opening
- Snake Attack
- Extra Secret Base Tour
- You Can’t Fake Good
- Post Credits: Scientist Button
- Devise the Plan: Making The Bad Guys (6:57)
- Assemble the Crew (6:46)
- It’s Showtime: Cast Table Read (5:51)
- Snake’s Frozen Pop Shop
- Frozen Pop Recipes (3:34)
- How-To Design Frozen Push-Pops (3:26)
- From the Drawing Room
- How to Storyboard (4:32)
- How to Draw (11:45)
“The Bad Guys” 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD is available now.
