Review: 'The Bad Guys' an Inspiring Romp With Action and Heart

They've never been anything but exactly what they are! Introducing "The Bad Guys," a team of criminal masterminds and thieves that have benefitted from the perceptions put upon them. They are led by The Wolf (voiced by Sam Rockwell), the most charismatic of the bunch, who is on the Police Captain Misty Luggins' (Alex Borstein) "most wanted" list. Then there's The Snake (Marc Maron), who is just interested in the group's next score – the bigger, the better! Rounding out the team is a tech wizard, The Tarantula (Awkwafina), The Shark (Craig Robinson), a master of disguise, and The Pirahna (Anthony Ramos).

The group are practically unstoppable; they have just pulled off another bank job and are basking their glory. But the city's new mayor, Diane Foxington (voiced by Zazie Beetz), believes that it's only a matter of time before The Bad Guys are brought to justice. That gives The Wolf the incentive he needs to pull off the mega-heist of the season, charging full-throttle into a spectacular event where the prize is a golden statue awarded to the citizen of the year, someone who has demonstrated the most kindness and strength of virtue.

It doesn't all go as planned, and The Bad Guys find themselves heading to the klink. But a crafty Wolf devises another scheme that may (or may not) put them all onto the path to redemption. Not all The Bad Guys are ready to shed their skin, but a scheme on top of another scheme may make it inevitable, and they'll find themselves between a rock (or a very large meteor from space) and a hard place. This is their moment to step up and make some positive changes in their lives. Will they continue to live as fearsome foes of society, or rise to the top as heroes?

Fortunately, the ample dexterity of the voice casting amplifies how emotionally endearing the animated characters become. The always-delightful Awkwafina imbues her nimble computer genius The Tarantula with an unmatched cool factor that raises the stakes of hilarity, while Marc Maron brings depth to The Snake that is extremely charming.

Perhaps being bad isn't all it's cracked up to be? Can The Bad Guys indeed change their ways in time to save the city? DreamWorks' new feature is a truly inspiring romp, with every bit of the action and heart that makes for the perfect summer ticket the whole family can enjoy. It's a smart and witty full-length feature that everyone can get on board with, and has a very important message about "doing the right thing."

"The Bad Guys" opens in theaters on April 22.