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Anyone Can Change!
When planning my list of movie reviews for August 2025, The Bad Guys 2 immediately caught my attention. As a big fan of DreamWorks’ original The Bad Guys (2022), I was excited to return to this stylish animated world. The first film blended action, comedy, and heart in a way that surprised audiences and critics alike, setting a high bar for the sequel.
In The Bad Guys 2, we’re reunited with the beloved gang of reformed animal outlaws: Wolf (voiced by Sam Rockwell), Piranha (Anthony Ramos), Tarantula (Awkwafina), Shark (Craig Robinson), and Snake (Marc Maron). Their return brings the same chaotic charm and hilarious dynamics that made the first movie such a hit.
As we’re reintroduced to the gang—but this time, in a new light. Following the events of the first Bad Guys movie, our favorite animal outlaws have made the life-changing decision to leave their criminal ways behind. Now committed to living as upstanding citizens, the crew faces the hilarious and often chaotic challenges of going “good” in a world that still sees them as the bad guys.
One of the standout aspects of The Bad Guys 2 is its stunning animation. DreamWorks has taken things to the next level with visually striking scenes, vibrant color palettes, and smooth, stylized motion that elevates every moment. The detail and editing in each frame showcase just how much artistry and craftsmanship went into creating this sequel. From high-speed chases to emotional close-ups, every shot feels alive and cinematic.
However, when it comes to the actual storyline, The Bad Guys 2 falls a bit short. The narrative felt below average, lacking the freshness and charm that made the original so engaging. At times, the plot felt bland and predictable, and I found myself struggling to stay fully invested in what was happening on screen. While the characters remain lovable, the story just didn’t deliver the same emotional depth or clever twists as the first film.
That said, the top-tier animation and vibrant visuals make it worth watching, even when the story lags. The Bad Guys 2 also delivers a steady stream of light-hearted comedy and feel-good moments that keep a smile on your face throughout. The humor is playful, the pacing is energetic, and younger audiences especially will enjoy the fun tone—even if the plot doesn’t quite hit the mark for older viewers.
All in all, The Bad Guys 2 ends up being just okay. It’s not a bad movie by any means, but it doesn’t live up to the high expectations set by the first film. It’s the kind of movie that works best for a relaxed movie night at home—fun, colorful, and full of charm, even if the story doesn’t leave much of a lasting impression.
With a Bad Guys 3 already on the horizon, there’s still potential for the series to bounce back. Hopefully, the third film finds the perfect balance between style and substance—and gives this crew of former criminals the standout sequel they deserve.
There’s truly no better example of a “bad guy” turned good than Saul the Pharisee, who would later become known as the Apostle Paul. At one point, Saul was one of the greatest threats to the early Church—persecuting, imprisoning, and even approving the deaths of Christians. He was feared, relentless, and completely opposed to the message of Jesus.
But in a single encounter with Jesus, everything changed.
God took a man who once hunted down believers and turned him into one of the most influential leaders of the early Church. Not only did Paul preach the Gospel with boldness, but he also authored nearly 25% of the New Testament, shaping Christian theology for generations to come.
That’s the power of God’s grace: it doesn’t just forgive—it transforms.
““I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, as the high priest and all the Council can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished. “About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’ “ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked. “ ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me. “ ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ I asked. “ ‘Get up,’ the Lord said, ‘and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.’ My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me. “A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. He stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And at that very moment I was able to see him. “Then he said: ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’”
Acts 22:3-16 NIV
Paul is a powerful example that anyone can change—no matter their past or circumstances. There is no heart too far gone, no life too broken, that Jesus cannot transform if it is willing to be open to Him. Just like with Paul, God is actively seeking after you—not to condemn, but to show you the incredible purpose and plan He has for your life.
It’s easy to feel like God is distant, especially when we’re stuck in guilt, shame, or failure. But the truth is, God is right beside you, waiting patiently. He won’t force you to follow Him. He won’t make you love Him. But what I can promise is this: God deeply desires you, just like He desired Paul—even when Paul was at his worst.
No matter what your past looks like—even if you see yourself as one of the “bad guys”—God sees your potential. And when you’re ready, He’s ready to begin that transformation.
“The Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name…’” – Acts 9:15
Question to reflect on: What part of my past or pain is stronger than God’s love and grace?
Rating:
Narrative: 1
Cinematography: 2
Mise En Scene: 1
Editing: 2
Sound: 1
Total Rating Score:
7/10