The sequel to the spin-off prequel “Minions” is finally here! Our JP has his thoughts about “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” the fifth entry overall in the “Despicable Me” franchise.
Minions: The Rise of Gru
Universal Pictures
- Directed by Kyle Balda
- Screenplay by Matthew Fogel
- Story by Brian Lynch, Matthew Fogel
- Produced by Chris Meledandri, Janet Healy, Chris Renaud
- Starring Steve Carell, Pierre Coffin, Taraji P. Henson, Michelle Yeoh, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews, Alan Arkin
Studio Synopsis:
This summer, from the biggest global animated franchise in history, comes the origin story of how the world’s greatest supervillain first met his iconic Minions, forged cinema’s most despicable crew and faced off against the most unstoppable criminal force ever assembled in Minions: The Rise of Gru.
Long before he becomes the master of evil, Gru (Oscar® nominee Steve Carell) is just a 12-year-old boy in 1970s suburbia, plotting to take over the world from his basement.
It’s not going particularly well. When Gru crosses paths with the Minions, including Kevin, Stuart, Bob, and Otto—a new Minion sporting braces and a desperate need to please—this unexpected family joins forces. Together, they build their first lair, design their first weapons, and strive to execute their first missions.
When the infamous supervillain supergroup, the Vicious 6, oust their leader—legendary martial arts fighter Wild Knuckles (Oscar® winner Alan Arkin)— Gru, their most devoted fanboy, interviews to become their newest member. The Vicious 6 is not impressed by the diminutive, wannabe villain, but then Gru outsmarts (and enrages) them, and he suddenly finds himself the mortal enemy of the apex of evil. With Gru on the run, the Minions attempt to master the art of kung fu to help save him, and Gru discovers that even bad guys need a little help from their friends.
Featuring more spectacular action than any film in Illumination history and packed with the franchise’s signature subversive humor, Minions: The Rise of Gru stars a thrilling new cast, including, the Vicious 6: Taraji P. Henson as cool and confident leader Belle Bottom, whose chain belt doubles as a lethal disco-ball mace; Jean-Claude Van Damme as the nihilistic Jean Clawed, who’s armed (literally) with a giant robotic claw; Lucy Lawless as Nunchuck, whose traditional nun’s habit hides her deadly nun-chucks; Dolph Lundgren as Swedish roller-skate champion Svengeance, who dispenses his enemies with spin kicks from his spiked skates; and Danny Trejo as Stronghold, whose giant iron hands are both a menace to others and a burden to him.
The film also stars Russell Brand as Young Dr. Nefario, an aspiring mad scientist, Michelle Yeoh as Master Chow, an acupuncturist with mad kung fu skills, and Oscar® winner Julie Andrews as Gru’s maddeningly self-absorbed mom.
Steered by the franchise’s original creators, Minions: The Rise of Gru is produced by visionary Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and his longtime collaborators Janet Healy and Chris Renaud. The film is directed by returning franchise filmmaker Kyle Balda (Despicable Me 3, Minions), co-directed by Brad Ableson (The Simpsons) and Jonathan del Val (The Secret Life of Pets films), and features the iconic voice of Pierre Coffin as the Minions and a killer ’70s soundtrack courtesy of legendary Grammy-winning music producer Jack Antonoff.
J.P.’s Take:
The folks at Illumination Studios had a mega hit on their hands with the spawning of the prequel to the “Despicable Me” trilogy, simply titled “Minions.” Just the thought of yellow anthropomorphic Twinkie shaped creatures existing during the age of the dinosaurs left me with an inside joke. How old are Twinkies and how did they evolve from a sugary snack food to sentient being? Hahaha! But I digress. Nonetheless, I had a giggle fest viewing the nefarious, endearing and zany goings on of those pill like characters as they journey to become loyal henchmen.
“Minions: The Rise of Gru” continues that story with Gru’s kidnapping being the catalyst to their eventual rise to villainy. We’re transported back to colorful 1976, where Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) is now 11 years old, who wishes to join the criminal organization called the Vicious 6. After his idol, Wild Knuckles (Alan Arkin), leader of the super villainous crew, ends up dead the group is now headed by newly appointed villainess Belle Bottom (Taraji P. Hensen).
Part of the joke here is that kids can be quite mischievous at times and just how mischievous is sometimes exaggerated by the adults who raise them. Gru is the very definition of the impish youngster whose imagination has gone haywire, while only his crazy antics are played out in the real world. This is amplified by the fact that his mother Marlena Gru (Julie Andrews) will have nothing to do with him. Sounds like a cry for attention from Gru. I found myself once again cackling at the preposterous nature of a young dedicated Gru, who is yearning to earn his place at the top of the criminal food chain. This sets off a barrage of hair brained schemes cooked up by Gru and his brightly hued lackies to steal the Zodiac Stones. He first writes a letter of recommendation for himself to the super villainous crew expressing why he should be their new leader. Once he’s granted a meeting with Belle Bottom and Vicious (now 5), he’s ridiculed by the group because they find out he’s a child. Much to his dismay, he manages to steal the stones anyway and blazes out of their lair.
Much of the rib tickling comedy is sparked by those little talking Twinkies as they go on a rampage through Chinatown in San Francisco. As they attempt to rescue Gru, cartoonish violence ensues as only those lil yellow stooges can produce, yet all done in good fun. Although there is a great deal of fast paced action paired with nicely rendered effects, at least it’s kept to a minimum so you’re not held hostage by such a spectacle.
You’ll witness this silly romp in all its 70’s glory with a bright cheerful color palette and disco motifs: from the sound track which consists of cover versions of well-known songs of that era — such as “Funky Town,” “Desafinado,” “Hollywood Swinging,” and “Dance To the Music” — to the crazy character names like Jean-Clawed (Jean-Claude Van Damme), Stronghold (Danny Trejo), Svengeance (Dolph Lundgren), Nunchuck (Lucy Lawless), Dr. Nefario (reprised voicing by Russell Brand), Master Chow (Michelle Yeoh) and Otto (voiced by RZA rapper from the Wu-Tang Clan).
All songs here are given a slightly updated sheen by contemporary artists, including St. Vincent, Kali Uchis, Brockhampton and H.E.R., and, to my surprise, the voice over stylings of such a star studded cast were energetically fulfilling. Even more tickling is the James Bond styled opening musical montage with the song “Bang Bang” as remixed by singer Caroline Polachek.
Writers Bryan Lynch (“Puss in Boots,” “The Secret Life of Pets”) and Matthew Fogel (“The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part”) do a smooth job of juggling two stories in one, while highlighting the Minions out scheme to hilarious success. Gru’s story also becomes clearer and leads to the inkling that a third “Minion” movie could be in the wings. Director Kyle Balda (“Despicable Me 3,” “Minions”) keeps the antics zingy and rambunctious in order to squeeze the laughs out of viewers.
Thank goodness it wasn’t any longer than 1 hour and 28 min, so to keep the attention of both adults and kids alike. I had just enough of a giggle fest with “Minions: The Rise of Gru” to want to see a third.