Our J.P. reviews “Minions,” a prequel-spin-off to the “Despicable Me” franchise.
MINIONS
Universal Pictures
Rated: PG for action and rude humor.
Release Date: Friday, July 10, 2015 (WIDE)
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm
Directed by: Pierre Coffin & Kyle Balda
Writer: Brian Lynch
Produced by: Chris Meledandri, Janet Healy
Executive Producer: Chris Renaud
Studio Synopsis:
The story of Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s Minions begins at the dawn of time. Starting as single-celled yellow organisms, Minions evolve through the ages, perpetually serving the most despicable of masters. Continuously unsuccessful at keeping these masters—from T. rex to Napoleon—the Minions find themselves without someone to serve and fall into a deep depression.
But one Minion named Kevin has a plan, and he—alongside teenage rebel Stuart and lovable little Bob—ventures out into the world to find a new evil boss for his brethren to follow.
The trio embarks upon a thrilling journey that ultimately leads them to their next potential master, Scarlet Overkill (Academy Award® winner Sandra Bullock), the world’s first-ever female super-villain. They travel from frigid Antarctica to 1960s New York City, ending in mod London, where they must face their biggest challenge to date: saving all of Minionkind…from annihilation.
Featuring a soundtrack of hit music from the ’60s that still permeates our culture today, Minions is produced by Illumination’s Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy, and is directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda. Brian Lynch has written the screenplay for the 3D-CG comedy adventure, and Chris Renaud serves as executive producer of the film.
J.P.’s Take:
It’s no wonder why these little yellow Tic-Tac shaped critters called “Minions” received their own film. Spinning off from the “Despicable Me” animated flicks, they were so wildly popular adults and children alike couldn’t help flocking towards them.
As Grus’ (voiced by Steve Carell) hench-imps, they provided much of the comical relief through out the series. Now this 3D animated adventure serves up an origins story with a variety of slapstick antics to keep the crowd giggling. Three brave souls named Kevin, Bob and Stuart (voice by co-director Pierre Coffin) set out on a journey to find their place in life, which is to serve the most evil of villains. These zany imps have come under the servitude of T-Rex, Dracula, Pharaohs even Napoleon. It was not until an unfortunate canon accident that lost Napoleon the war that they were exiled to the snowy reaches of Antarctica. But before all this hoopla, the film opens with cellular life forms floating in a primordial ooze set to the tune of The Turtles “Happy Together.” We follow them through out time as they make their way into the 60’s, some 40 plus years before meeting Gru.
“Minions” may not carry the same emotional canons as felt in the “Despicable Me” series, however, you can bet their frolicking nature continues through out the movie. You can also expect extended dialog consisting of their native language, which sounds like a mix of French or Italian – maybe both – and baby babble. As they come into the lives of their masters, their calamitous disposition causes all kinds of havoc. Not to mention more laughs as well. You will even see partial minion nudity during a hot tub scene. A scene that involves a dungeon finds a way to roll out the chuckles. Obviously this is a movie aimed more so at the kiddies, as the plot consists of a hair brained scheme to find a new master and a villainess who vows to steal Queen Elizabeth II’s crown. Yet these little munchkins aren’t completely devoid of a range of emotions. You’ll find a few scenes as they first search for a new home, then leave their home to venture out into a brave new world slightly poignant.
The cartoonish violence is kept to a minimum, with crashing sound effects barely reaching earsplitting levels. Many of the characters are also pushed to the background as the minions take over England on their crazy adventure. Scarlet Overkill (voiced by Sandra Bullock) is only as threatening as Chihuahua with a bad attitude. Her teased up hair and weapon-laced outfits only amplifies her cartoonish nature. Additional voices can be heard by star studded cast including Jon Hamm as Herb Overkill, Scarlet’s husband; Michael Keaton as Walter Nelson, making the most of his short screen time; Jennifer Saunders can be heard parodying Queen Elizabeth; Allison Janney is Madge Nelson, Walter’s crackpot wife; Steve Coogan splits his voice over duties into two crack-up characters Professor Flux and the Tower Guard; and Hiroyuki Sanada is the sumo wrestler. Also, a surprise appearance from Steve Carell as little Gru, where his moments are the one to pay attention to towards the end of the movie. It provides a nice tie-in to “Despicable Me.”
The environments are beautifully rendered, with cheery colorful backdrops for the Minions to play in. It’s all accented with classic rock from the 60’s as well. Since “Minions” is a different beast than “Despicable Me,” The Beatles, The Who, The Turtles and Jimi Hendrix replace Pharell Williams’ hip-hop/R&B inspired score.
There is no doubt you’ll enjoy these goofy walking Twinkies running around England, dispatching their brand of sight gags and jokes. I must admit I — with my Stuart T-shirt on — and my guest next to me chuckled away almost none stop. I wouldn’t mind another giddy, quirky and silly gest if they continued with a sequel.