The Bad Guys 2

The reformed criminal gang known as the Bad Guys — Wolf, Snake, Shark, Piranha and Tarantula — are trying to live honest lives after their previous heists. They face resistance from society unwilling to trust them. When a new all-female criminal squad called the Bad Girls frames the Bad Guys and forces them into one more high-stakes global heist (including a space-station caper) the gang must pull together, rely on trust and integrity, and prove they can change.

This film centres around themes of redemption, second chances and the struggle to leave behind a former life of wrongdoing. From a Christian viewpoint those themes resonate: the idea that one’s past wrongs don’t irrevocably define the future, and change is possible. The Bad Guys’ desire to be trusted, to do right, and to face the consequences of their past mirrors the Christian understanding of repentance, transformation, and community restoration.

However the movie stops short of explicitly framing that transformation in Christian terms — no mention of Christ, no explicit gospel language. The change comes through friendship, competence, choice and proving oneself rather than divine forgiveness. So while the moral arc is positive (and more grounded than many cartoons), it lacks spiritual depth for those seeking forthright faith messages. That means Christian families may appreciate the themes and use the film as a springboard for discussion (“What does it mean to trust someone who used to harm you?”, “How can someone prove they are different now?”), but should also note what is missing: namely, a biblical foundation for redemption and transformation.

The sequel ramps up the scale: globe-trotting heists, larger threats, outer space settings. The direction is slick, animation vibrant, and pacing brisk enough for younger viewers. I admire that the film doesn’t linger too long on the “bad guy” jokes and instead gives more weight to the idea of reputation, trust, and consequence. That said, in its effort to escalate everything it sometimes loses a little of the intimacy of the original film. Some emotional beats feel rushed (especially around the framing and betrayal) and the sheer number of characters and subplots can muddy clarity. Overall it’s solid entertainment, though not quite as fresh as the original.

The voice cast delivers. Sam Rockwell as Wolf anchors the film with charm and a hint of weariness—appropriate for a character trying to change. The rest of the gang are serviceable and fun. The new “Bad Girls” antagonists bring fresh energy, though their motivations are lighter. Character arcs are serviceable: the Bad Guys want to be better and have to struggle with backlash, internal doubts and outside pressure. They don’t entirely escape being defined by their past, which is realistic and helpful. But the development isn’t profound—there isn’t deep self-examination or a major crisis of faith; it's more surface redemption, which is fine for family animation but worth noting.

This is broadly suitable for families (ages ~6 and up)with the caveat that younger children might find the heist action or some betrayal/lied-to moments a bit intense. Christian parents will likely appreciate the core theme (bad guys trying to become good guys, earning trust, making wise choices) and could use the film as a conversation starter on grace, forgiveness and community. But if you’re looking for overt Christian content, this film will not provide it—so it’s a “good but not gospel-rich” option. I’d recommend watching together if possible, pausing to talk about what it means to change, how honesty matters, and where true forgiveness comes from (which in Christian faith is rooted in Christ).