Name: The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family, Action
Released: 2023-11-29T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Michael Godere, Ezekiel Ajeigbe, Raul Ceballos, Chris Diamantopoulos, Mallory Low

The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday opens with a frenetic energy that feels like a cartoonish car chase through a holiday parade gone horribly wrong. Mr. Wolf and his crew of animal outlaws—Shark, Piranha, Snake, and Tarantula—are in hot pursuit, their getaway car tangling with a beloved Santa Claus balloon until it bursts spectacularly in the sky. This opening sequence is pure chaos, setting the tone for DreamWorks Animation’s holiday special: a frenetic blend of heist-movie tension and slapstick humor, all wrapped up in a festive bow.

Directed by Bret Haaland, A Very Bad Holiday is a spin-off from the 2022 film The Bad Guys, but with a significant twist—none of the original voice cast returned. Instead, Michael Godere takes over as Mr. Wolf, Ezekiel Ajeigbe as Shark, Raul Ceballos as Piranha, Chris Diamantopoulos as Snake, and Mallory Low as Tarantula. For fans of the film, this recasting might feel like a misstep, but for newcomers, it offers an opportunity to experience these characters with fresh voices.

The special’s premise is simple yet engaging: after accidentally ruining Christmas spirit by destroying the Santa balloon, the Bad Guys must restore the city’s holiday cheer—or risk their annual heist being ruined. What follows is a whirlwind of creative problem-solving, from attempting to replace the balloon with a Santa Claus exoskeleton (which looks too intimidating) to breaking into a radio station to play Christmas carols again. The writing is sharp and fits well within the franchise’s ongoing story direction, but the pacing feels rushed, as if the writers were trying to cram too much into a limited runtime.

One of the standout moments comes when Wolf and Snake steal presents to deliver them to people’s homes, a sequence that blends action with a touch of holiday magic. The animation is vibrant, and the action sequences are well-choreographed, keeping the pace lively and engaging. However, the special’s attempt to balance humor and heart sometimes feels uneven. The emotional beats—like Wolf’s admission that he was trying to give his crew the best heist ever—are touching but underdeveloped due to the rapid-fire pacing.

The voice acting is a mixed bag. Godere brings a playful energy to Mr. Wolf, capturing the character’s charisma and leadership, while Ajeigbe’s Shark provides some of the special’s funniest moments with his deadpan delivery. Diamantopoulos’ Snake is also a highlight, bringing a mix of sarcasm and loyalty that adds depth to the role. However, Ceballos’ Piranha and Low’s Tarantula feel somewhat one-dimensional, their performances overshadowed by the more dynamic casting choices.

Thematically, A Very Bad Holiday explores redemption and the power of community, albeit in a somewhat superficial way. The Bad Guys’ journey from outlaws to accidental heroes is entertaining, but the message feels generic compared to other holiday films that delve deeper into themes of forgiveness and belonging. Other holiday films might have explored similar ideas with more nuance and depth, but here, the focus remains firmly on the action and humor.

Comparing this special to its predecessor, it’s clear that Haaland is aiming for a similar blend of neo-noir crime comedy and family-friendly fun. However, without the original cast’s chemistry, some of the magic is lost. The special also struggles with its timeline, set before the events of the film but still referencing elements from it. This can be confusing for viewers who haven’t seen the movie or are unfamiliar with the franchise’s ongoing story direction.

The holiday setting offers a fresh backdrop for the Bad Guys’ antics, but the tone shifts feel abrupt at times. The transition from heist planning to heartwarming redemption can be jarring, and the special’s attempt to blend holiday cheer with its neo-noir roots is not entirely seamless. That said, the voice acting shines in moments of levity, particularly during the gang’s bickering sessions and their creative problem-solving.

In the end, The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday is a fun, if flawed, addition to the franchise. It captures the spirit of the original film’s clever humor and lovable criminals but struggles with its pacing and narrative cohesion. The recasting is a notable misstep, as the new voice actors bring fresh energy but lack the chemistry of the original cast. However, the special’s vibrant animation, fast-paced action, and holiday-themed antics make it an enjoyable watch for families looking for some festive fun.

For fans of The Bad Guys, this special offers a nostalgic return to the world of Mr. Wolf and his crew, even if it lacks the depth of the original film. For newcomers, it serves as a lively introduction to the franchise’s unique blend of humor and action. However, those expecting a more substantial holiday story or deeper character development may be disappointed.

The special’s strongest moments come when it embraces its chaotic energy, such as the ice storm sequence where Wolf’s tendency to push things too far leads to hilarious consequences. The gang’s dynamic is entertaining, and their misadventures are packed with clever gags and visual jokes that will appeal to both kids and adults. However, the emotional beats feel rushed, and the narrative structure could have benefited from a slower pace to allow for more character development.

Ultimately, The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday is a lighthearted, entertaining holiday special that delivers on laughs and action but falls short in terms of depth and coherence. It’s a solid addition to the franchise but not a standout entry.