The Bad Guys 2 – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Bad Guys 2

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2025

74%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Reformed criminals get pulled back for one last heist—because apparently going straight is harder than it looks.

7/10

87%

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The Bad Guys 2

movie

PG, 2025

74%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Reformed criminals get pulled back for one last heist—because apparently going straight is harder than it looks.

87%

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7/10

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Screenwise Verdict

The Bad Guys 2 looks like a solid sequel that doesn't reinvent the wheel but delivers what families want: fun animation, likable characters working through real-ish problems, and enough action to keep kids engaged without traumatizing them.

The 87% critic score suggests this isn't a cash-grab sequel—it's actually good. The redemption-and-trust storyline offers more depth than your average animated romp, giving parents something to work with beyond 'wasn't that funny?'

The 'one last job' premise is heist-movie 101, which means it's a bit predictable, but that familiarity also makes it comfortable family viewing. No one's going to be shocked or upset. The addition of an all-female villain squad is a nice touch that updates the formula without making a big deal about it.

Bottom line: If your kid liked the first Bad Guys, this is an easy yes. If you're looking for fresh 2025 family movie night material that won't make you want to leave the room, this delivers.

Age Fit

Best for ages 6-12 who can handle cartoon action and heist-movie tension. Younger kids who loved the first film should be fine. Teens might enjoy it but won't be the core audience—this is squarely family-friendly territory.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Sequel builds on the redemption arc from the first film, showing characters struggling with acceptance and trust as reformed criminals. The theme of second chances and finding acceptance in 'newly minted lives as Good Guys' models positive character growth. However, the premise of being 'forced to do one last job' is a classic heist trope that may undercut the wholesome messaging slightly. Action-adventure pacing typical of DreamWorks Animation should be energetic but not chaotically overstimulating.

Imaginative

The first Bad Guys film brought a stylish, comic-book-inspired animation aesthetic and clever heist sequences. A sequel with an 'all-female squad of criminals' adds a fresh dynamic, though the 'one last job' premise is well-worn territory. Without seeing the actual film, the genre mix of animation/action/adventure suggests visual creativity and problem-solving scenarios typical of heist films, but this is a sequel working within an established framework rather than breaking new ground.

Safe

As an animated action-adventure from a major studio (likely DreamWorks), this should follow the first film's formula: stylized cartoon action without graphic violence, no inappropriate content for kids. The 87% RT critic score and 7.0 IMDb rating suggest quality family entertainment. Action sequences will be present but age-appropriate for the target demographic. No red flags in synopsis or genre tags. Awaiting MPAA rating but likely PG for action and some rude humor.

Enriching

The core theme of redemption, trust-building, and acceptance offers solid ethical territory. Characters navigating their reformed identities while being pulled back into old patterns creates opportunities for discussions about integrity, peer pressure, and second chances. The addition of an all-female antagonist squad could provide interesting dynamics around assumptions and stereotypes. However, this is primarily entertainment-focused rather than deeply educational. Metacritic 64 suggests solid but not exceptional critical reception.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Strong critic reviews (87% on RT) suggest this sequel delivers on the fun, stylish animation of the original
Redemption arc continues with characters struggling to earn trust and acceptance—real talk about second chances and how hard it is to change
All-female squad of villains adds fresh dynamics and avoids the tired 'guys club' heist formula
DreamWorks Animation typically nails the balance of humor for both kids and adults without being annoying
Action-packed without being scary or violent—cartoon heist hijinks that entertain without nightmare fuel

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What to Watch For

The 'one last job' trope might send mixed messages about commitment to change—good conversation opportunity about peer pressure and integrity
Action sequences and some cartoon peril typical for PG rating—know your kid's tolerance for chase scenes and mild tension
Some rude humor and sass likely present (it's about criminals, after all)—nothing inappropriate but some attitude
Sequel fatigue is real—if your kid didn't love the first one, this won't convert them

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think it's hard for the Bad Guys to get people to trust them, even though they're trying to be good now?"
"If your friend wanted you to do something you know is wrong, what would you say? How is that like what happens in the movie?"
"What did you think about the all-girl villain crew? Were they different from what you expected?"
"Do you think people deserve second chances? What if they mess up again—do they get a third chance?"

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