Review: Minions

Filed under: Reviews

For a script that is mostly gibberish, I was amazed at how entertaining Minions was. It came as no surprise that minion mischief not only warmed the hearts of children but also adults alike. The animation is excellent, with rich bright colors, detailed backgrounds and imaginative visuals.

The film follows three particular minions whose only goal is to find the most reprehensible supervillain to lead the minion tribe. In the Despicable Me series (you don't have to watch the series to understand the movie), the super villain was the lovable Gru. But this movie is a prequel, so the story starts in the late 1960s, when a trio of minions -- Kevin (the inspiration), Stuart (one eyed & food loving), and Bob (a child at heart) -- venture from their home in search for a leader.

It is 1968 when the trio arrives in New York, and after some wandering around they reach Villain Con in Orlando, where they see Scarlet Overkill, then the world's most notorious villain. Scarlet (voiced by Sandra Bullock) turns out to be seeking for a henchman. Bob accidentally wins the contest and the trio is recruited as Scarlet's new henchmen. The new henchmen's task is to steal Queen Elizabeth's crown so Scarlet can rule England. It is at this point – where the minions meet Scarlet – where the plot loses its steam. From this point onward the script wanders feeling like it was written to somehow complete the movie and to squeeze laughs from minion adorableness. However the final link in the movie when the minions find their ideal master was excellent, and it ties in neatly with the Despicable Me series which follows.

As for the voice casting, Bullock's performance is underplayed and short on the right amount of oomph needed for Scarlet, whereas Jon Hamm makes up for it by going over the top voicing her husband Herb. Jennifer Saunders voices the Queen just right, and Allison Janney and Michael Keaton are both entertaining as Bonnie and Clyde. Pierre Coffin continues to lend his amazing voice to the adorable minions. I couldn't get enough of listening to the minions mumble.

Overall the best thing about movie is that it is achingly funny -– I did catch myself laughing out loud quite a few times. I love the fact that in spite the gibberish language, we can follow what the minions are saying most of the time. I find it to be an amazing achievement especially given it is an animated movie. Minions allows an adult to feel like a child in the best possible sense, so go watch it and don't forget to sit through the credits. Say Bee-Doo!!!

Tags: Minions, animation, Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Despicable Me

Related Posts

Comments Posted ()

SBM on Social Media

ShowbizMonkeys.com on Facebook ShowbizMonkeys.com on Twitter ShowbizMonkeys.com on Instagram ShowbizMonkeys.com on YouTube