The Bad Guys - The Perfect Father / Son Animation
Here at Kinolime, we’ve analyzed almost every type of screenplay – from indie darlings like Clerks to mega blockbusters like Pirates of the Caribbean – but something we’ve yet to take the magnifying glass to is animation. Since I’m currently working on an animated project myself, this felt like the perfect time for a (surprisingly rewarding) case study.
Today we’re diving into The Bad Guys (2022), a heist comedy written by Etan Cohen and based on Aaron Blabey’s graphic novels. It stars a crew of anthropomorphic animal criminals and borrows heavily from classic “Dad movies” like Ocean’s 11, Pulp Fiction, and The Italian Job, while mixing in contemporary kid-friendly hits like Zootopia, Sing, and The Secret Life of Pets.
The result is a melange that hits home for both kids and adults – performing surprisingly well with critics and at the box office, especially during a post-COVID slump. No surprise then that The Bad Guys 2 just dropped, with DreamWorks and Universal clearly forecasting franchise potential.
Animation is a visual medium, sure – but like live-action, it all starts with story. A strong foundation is key. Etan Cohen’s resume spans from family hits like Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish to edgier fare like Tropic Thunder and episodes of Beavis & Butt-head, King of the Hill, and American Dad. With Cohen on board, the source material couldn’t have asked for a steadier hand.
OPENING IMAGE
We fade in on the conspicuous WOLF and SNAKE in a diner – a setting loaded with cinematic weight. Think Heat, Reservoir Dogs, Mulholland Drive, Terminator. The diner almost always signifies that $*%@&! is about to hit the fan. (Fun fact for comic book fans: that playful censorship – called “grawlix” – was just added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2025!)
We’re dropped into an innocuous conversation that quickly highlights the contrast between the two: Wolf’s a slick, fast-talking smooth operator, while Snake’s cranky, hates birthdays, and has a taste for guinea pigs.
SET UP
As they conclude their meeting, they hit the bank across the street. We learn that beyond our anthropomorphic heroes, this is a world largely populated by humans – who are terrified of the type of scary animals that comprise the titular ‘Bad Guys’ gang.
They crack the safe and make a quick escape – Snake utilizing his lock-picking skills while Wolf drives and breaks the fourth wall, channeling Ferris Bueller and Deadpool vibes.
They’re joined by tech-whiz TARANTULA, who’s hacked the traffic grid for a smooth getaway. Rounding out the crew are SHARK, master of disguise, and PIRANHA, the hot-headed brawler. They’re a misfit gang with one thing in common – everyone hates to see them coming.
Snake cracks the safe, grabs the cash, and they dump the empty shell on the police station steps – just to be incendiary and stretch out the thrill of the chase. Enter the POLICE CHIEF, dead set on putting these mavericks behind bars.
Evading the cops with ease, they head back to their secret L.A. hideout, celebrating the heist. It’s all routine by now – Snake’s birthday gets more attention than the loot. He stays grumpy and standoffish, especially with Shark.
With the crew clearly defined – each a familiar, beloved archetype – there’s no reason to question Wolf’s defining statement: “Yeah. We may be bad... but we’re so good at it.”
INCITING INCIDENT
The inciting incident doesn’t hit until page 19, which feels late by traditional standards. But animation often moves faster than live action – 19 pages equates to about 11 minutes, or roughly 14% of the 135-page script.
Wolf tunes into the news expecting to revel in the usual fear they instill – but is surprised when newly elected Governor DIANE Foxington instead professes to pity them.
This kicks off the central plot: Wolf hatches a plan to steal the Golden Dolphin, an award handed to LA’s ‘Goodest Citizen’ – just to spite the Governor.
DEBATE
The gang quickly shoot down Wolf’s plan, pointing out that even legendary criminals like the CRIMSON PAW have tried – and failed – to steal the award. Snake plays the voice of reason and seems to talk Wolf out of it.
But Snake’s pulled back in when Wolf reveals that Professor MARMALADE, a guinea pig philanthropist, will receive the award – allegedly for “saving the city” after a meteor hit L.A. The promise of turning the ego-maniacal Marmalade into his favorite snack seals the deal.
The crew embark on a daring heist at the Museum of Fine Art, where the Dolphin award ceremony takes place, all blending in with the humans. You gotta suspend your disbelief for me, guys.
They sneak in one by one, with undercover Wolf charming Governor Diane. She confides that she believes the Bad Guys are losing their edge – and warns that when they start taking things personally, it’ll be their downfall.
The gang works like pros, everything running smoothly – until Wolf can’t resist catching an old lady who trips down the stairs, earning a “good boy” from her.
This almost serves as a second inciting incident – it reinforces Wolf’s aspiration to acquire the Golden Dolphin, but begins to recontextualize how he plans to accomplish this. Maybe he could win the Dolphin by being a real good guy?
Just as Marmalade is set to receive his award and bask in adoration, the gang steals it right under the noses of the Police Chief and Diane, bypassing the high-tech security. Marmalade soothes the panicked crowd while the crew delight in the fallout.
BREAK INTO TWO
The gang are apprehended, all because Wolf froze up – that little voice in the back of his head slowing him down. As the public cheers their arrest, Wolf manipulates Marmalade into cooking up a plan to keep them out of jail.
Everyone except the frustrated Police Chief agrees to give them a shot at reform, with Marmalade unable to pass up the opportunity to help reintegrate them into society.
FUN AND GAMES
As they’re transported away, the rest of the gang are confused – they must be missing some key component of the plan here…
Wolf acts like this was the plan all along, but something’s stirred inside him he can’t share. Deep down, he just wants to hear “good boy” again.
The gang arrives at Marmalade’s mansion to start their rehabilitation, where a replica of the meteor that wrecked half the city is on display. As a montage shows Marmalade’s failed attempts to teach kindness and empathy, it’s clear this won’t be easy as he expected.
Frustrated, Marmalade tries to steer their skills for good – asking them to pull a heist to free thousands of guinea pigs from an animal testing lab. Using their natural talents, they break in, and in one of the film’s funniest moments, Shark disguises himself as a scientist’s long-lost dad to distract him.
When it seems like all has gone according to plan, it’s revealed that Snake has been eating dozens of guinea pigs – shocking the supportive masses outside. Instead of support, Marmalade ends up looking like he’s enabling their criminal behaviors. Wolf finds himself exasperated by his gang’s inability to conform, even if it’s just play acting.
Diane informs Marmalade that she’s pulling the plug on this experiment.
Marmalade pleads for more time, his ego bruised. Wolf also attempts a charm offensive, but is met with scathing retorts from Diane. He won’t show it, but he’s wounded.
Late at night, Wolf saves a cat stuck in a tree, showcasing his innate desire to do good. Unaware he’s being recorded, he soaks in the surprise praise stemming from a viral clip – until Marmalade suggests Wolf must abandon his friends behind to become a true Good Guy.
MIDPOINT
Snake overhears this conversation and grows concerned, confronting Wolf with his fears.
Wolf vows to put the team first and keep Snake in the loop if plans change. Still, he can’t help but verbalize – what if they were loved instead of feared? Snake isn’t interested and just wants things to “get back to normal.”
BAD TO WORSE
The Golden Dolphin handover is moved to a gala Marmalade hosts to raise funds for L.A. schools and hospitals. For the very first time, the real heart-shaped meteor is on display.
En route, Wolf lays out a brilliant plan to swap the real award with a decoy, allowing them to collect the plaudits and the prize. On arrival, crowds celebrate the Bad Guys turning a new leaf, and the feel-good story helps Marmalade raise a billion dollars for his charity.
But their plan hits speedbumps – the Police Chief and Diane are breathing down their necks. To avoid suspicion, the gang has to act genuinely engaged. Their cover even breaks into a musical number, with Wolf and Diane sharing a dance.
This snag makes Wolf question his plan, and when it’s time to cut the lights and swap the award, he aborts. Instead, he gives the Dolphin to Marmalade, thanking him for his guidance.
Just then – the lights go out and the meteor disappears. The freshly crowned ‘Good Guys’ can’t convince the fickle crowd of their genuine innocence when a pre-recorded victory lap message is broadcast.
They try to escape but are caught by the gleeful Police Chief. They plead with Marmalade to vouch for them – until Wolf deduces that Marmalade masterminded the whole scheme to pin his own heist on them! Marmalade wants the meteor for its rumored unlimited energy potential.
When Wolf threatens to eat Marmalade, the rodent screams for help, sealing their fate with the Police Chief. They’re sent off to a “Superultramax Prison.”
Meanwhile, Diane follows a clue Wolf left behind, leading her to his lair. He wants to return everything they ever stole. This convinces her that Wolf has changed his ways.
As they’re processed for prison, Snake accuses Wolf of betrayal, revealing Wolf’s supposed betrayal to the gang. Wolf admits his conflicted loyalties and his plan to steer them toward something better.
Just as tensions boil over amongst the crew, a mysterious masked ninja – The Crimson Paw – breaks in, takes out the guards, and frees the Bad Guys. The twist no one saw coming; it’s goody two-shoes Governor Diane Foxington behind the mask.
She helps them escape by motorboat, asking for their help to stop Marmalade. But once ashore, Snake leads a mutiny. The others turn their backs on Wolf, leaving him heartbroken.
Marmalade harnesses the latent power of the meteor with a mind-control helmet, which he uses to mobilize an army of guinea pigs throughout the city, including the thousands the gang helped free.
In a heart-to-heart, Diane tells Wolf why she went straight. The Golden Dolphin was her final heist – she had it in her hands when she realized she’d become the cunning fox everyone presumed she was. She chose to go good to prove the world wrong.
They retire to Diane’s secret lair and formulate a plan to tackle the guinea pig army. Marmalade plans to steal the money fundraised in his own name, requiring Wolf and Diane to reverse-rob the meteor to prevent his plan succeeding.
BREAK INTO THREE
In a classic ‘all is lost’ moment, the gang’s split, the villain’s winning, and things couldn’t look worse – until a spark of hope rises like a phoenix from the ashes.
The gang returns to Wolf’s lair, now stripped bare by Diane, deepening their despair. They have nothing. In a rare act of kindness, Snake comforts Shark and gives him the last push-pop from the freezer. The others are stunned – Snake may feel betrayed, but he still has heart.
This prompts the gang (minus Snake) to reconsider – maybe Wolf was right. Maybe being good feels good.
FINALE
Across the city, trucks delivering cash are hijacked by mindless guinea pig hordes.
Wolf finds the Golden Dolphin unguarded at Marmalade’s compound – but it’s a trap. He and Diane are captured, and Marmalade discovers she’s really the Crimson Paw. Then comes another twist: Snake has defected and is working with Marmalade!
Marmalade starts lowering them into a deadly pit – until the gang shows up just in time to save them, apologizing to Wolf for losing faith.
They steal the meteor and make a stylish run for it, hoping distance will break Marmalade’s mind control – but no luck. It keeps transmitting, and the mindless guinea pig slaves give chase.
Diane tips off the Police Chief that the gang plans to return the meteor to clear their names. But as they arrive at the station – without Snake – Wolf has a crisis of faith. Right on the cusp of reaffirming himself as a reformed individual, he has to question if it’s worth losing his friend.
Wolf ditches the plan to return the meteor, opting instead to save Snake, all while distracting the swarm of guinea pigs from stealing charity funds. Despite his temper and sense of betrayal – Snake can’t stand to watch his friends in danger from Marmalade’s helicopter.
Marmalade tosses Snake from his chopper, using Wolf’s biggest weakness – his friends – against him. In a risky, near-suicidal move, the gang jumps the meteor crater to catch Snake mid-fall.
Snake is touched by his friends’ refusal to quit on him and sees how wrong he’s been. They reconcile mid-fall and use a grappling hook to escape just in time.
Diane defends the gang from the Police Chief. Ready to confess that she’s the Crimson Paw, the Bad Guys surrender to protect her identity. They accept the consequences gladly, proud they did the right thing. It’s a feel-good moment – until Marmalade returns with the meteor. Just when it seems like the public are oblivious to his evil scheme, the Police Chief discovers Snake swapped the meteor for Marmalade’s replica, triggering a classic rapid-fire heist flashback.
Marmalade takes the fall as the Crimson Paw, Snake explodes the real meteor – harming nobody, and the gang happily accept their arrest.
CLOSING IMAGE
Wolf reveals he planted the last push-pop in the freezer, inciting the reveal of Snake’s true goodness. It’s a classic caper ending – plans within plans, twists inside twists.
In a post-credits scene, the gang is freed from prison a year later for good behavior. Diane picks them up, Wolf breaks the fourth wall a final time, and they drive off into the sunset.
CONCLUSION
Why did this film succeed while so many big-budget Pixar blockbusters are flopping? It hit two audiences at once. There’s homage to Dad-favorites, a diverse, kid-friendly crew, a parent-approved message, and just enough immature gags (looking at you, fart jokes) to please multiple demographics. Paired with the slick animation style popularized by Into the Spider-Verse and later refined in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, it was a perfect storm of wit, charm, and sharp marketing.
So how’s the script? Solid, if not groundbreaking. It plays with familiar tropes in surprising ways but isn’t afraid to lean on classic beats for feel-good moments of redemption and warmth. Its charm lies in its simplicity. Family animation is tough to dissect – it asks viewers to just go along for the ride, tapping into a nostalgia and earnestness that clearly resonates with today’s jaded audiences.
Cohen resists the urge to overwrite the visuals, leaving space for animators to add flair and interpretation. By prioritizing character over action, the script guides animation with clarity. Body language and intent shine through every frame – the mark of smart writing.
Could the script be sharper? Definitely. A few jokes fall flat, and some logic leaps wouldn’t fly in live action. But for a family-focused film, does that really matter? Not so much. When a film is appealing to as broad an audience as possible, sometimes a down the middle approach is what works best.
Etan Cohen serves as an executive producer, meaning his story isn’t only fundamental to the film’s success – his fingerprints are all over every aspect of the film. I love how the writing is happy to directly reference the films that inspired it; describing Shark as the Dude from the Big Lebowski, painting a picture of the chase by calling it Baby Driver-esque, referencing Wolf’s charm as ‘full Clooney’, or invoking Mission: Impossible during tense heist sequences. In a market obsessed with homage but allergic to citation, it’s refreshing to see influences credited and playfully inverted.
We award The Bad Guys a 4/5.
