Minions: The Rise of Gru is the latest in the little yellow guys’ adventures and their first with their long-time boss and eventual supervillain, Gru.
After watching Gru turn from independent supervillain to loving father and Anti-Villain League hero, the studio took some steps back. First, Minions explored the little yellow followers’ pre-Gru bosses, many of which met their early demise, before they eventually discovered Scarlett Overkill at Villain Con. They formed a relationship that would be short-lived and superseded by a then-child Gru and his commitment to evil deeds. As the title suggests, Minions: The Rise of Gru is an account of the young baddie’s earliest misdeeds as he attempts to prove his villainy and establish himself as a formidable bad guy.
The Minions (Pierre Coffin) are very excited to be working for their “mini-boss,” building his secret lair and accompanying him on important missions. Kevin, Stuart and Bob are nearly inseparable, while braces-clad Otto tends to talk too much and miss the mark regularly. When the infamous supervillain supergroup, the Vicious 6, suddenly has an opening on the team, Gru (Steve Carell) is excited just to be considered – until they dismiss him for being a kid. To prove himself worthy, the 11-and-three-quarters-year-old steals something from the group, initiating a string of hijinks that include high-speed chases, mass destruction, kidnapping, robbery, a cross-country trip, kung-fu training and the chance to meet Gru’s idol, Wild Knuckles (Alan Arkin).
There is something about the adorable little minions of which fans cannot get enough. Their special language that increasingly seems to have been derived from Spanish. The jean overalls that are like their personal uniforms. Their devotion to each other and their bosses, which still leaves room to laugh at each other’s expense on occasion. And their unfathomable ability to survive any situation or gaffe (so far, at least). They are the ideal companions, making up for their many mistakes with cuteness and dedication. Bob is especially designed to steal audience’s hearts with his “poochie” obsession and innocent way of viewing the world, while Kevin gets to be the pragmatic one, Stuart is the cool guy and newcomer Otto is the odd man out.
As the Minions are reunited with an albeit younger Gru in this picture, it does feel more like the first couple of films. After agreeing to be their boss, Gru puts them to work renovating his basement and providing familial support at school. Even then, his goal in life was diabolical super villain — ambitions that don’t go over well during a class project. It’s difficult getting respect at such a young age, but Gru’s intellect and perseverance make him a formidable opponent for anyone — as he proves time and again in this amusing narrative — as do his little yellow helpers, who are determined to make Gru the best villain possible… one day.
Directors: Kyle Balda, Brad Ableson and Jonathan del Val
Starring: Steve Carell (voice), Pierre Coffin (voice) and Alan Arkin (voice)
