The Bad Guys 2, DreamWorks' animated sequel, improves on its predecessor with sharper humour and a more relaxed tone. The film opens with a Bond-style car chase in Cairo, depicting a heist by the criminal gang led by Mr Wolf (voiced by Sam Rockwell, channelling George Clooney). This sequence is revealed to be a flashback to five years earlier.
In the present, Mr Wolf and his crew—Mr Snake, Mr Shark, and others—have gone straight. However, their reformed status is jeopardised when they are framed for a series of daring thefts involving a precious metal called MacGuffinite, a playful nod for film-savvy adults. The villainous guinea pig Professor Marmalade (voiced by Richard Ayoade) returns, now imprisoned and sporting a tattooed, physically imposing appearance, though his nasally whine undermines his menace.
The sequel boasts more wit and energy than the original, along with a sincere message about friendship. Even the obligatory fart joke lands well, amusing adult viewers. However, the reviewer's five-year-old companion, who adored the first film, found this instalment merely 'OK,' suggesting that younger audiences may not share the same enthusiasm.
