Overall Thoughts: Solid improvement of a sequel is a true Despicable Me prequel.
I have to admit, the first Minions has not been a favorite, nor has it aged very well. Despite Sandra Bullock admirably trying very hard to bring Steve Carell's excellent comedic chops (with OK results), the characters didn't exactly bring a story that suitably filled a 90-minute movie. The Minions are fun characters, but they worked better as comic relief sidekicks to the sweet, character-driven and family-centric Despicable Me films.
I have to admit, the first Minions has not been a favorite, nor has it aged very well. Despite Sandra Bullock admirably trying very hard to bring Steve Carell's excellent comedic chops (with OK results), the characters didn't exactly bring a story that suitably filled a 90-minute movie. The Minions are fun characters, but they worked better as comic relief sidekicks to the sweet, character-driven and family-centric Despicable Me films.
Which makes me a little pleasantly surprised to say that Minions: The Rise of Gru works better than its' predecessor. And part of the reason why this one works better is because, thankfully, Gru is back in the mix. His story arc as a preteen villain looking for a mentor is a pretty solid one. And placing the Minions as heroes of this tale and giving them a storyline of equal importance here makes for a much better movie.
Another reason why Rise of Gru raises the bar here is in its' terrific casting. Alan Arkin is an inspired choice as an aging villain looking to show he's still got what it takes. Taraji P. Henson brings sass and fun to the take-no-prisoners Belle Bottom. Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once) also shows to be having a lot of fun in her role as the Minions' kung fu teacher, Master Chow. Lucy Lawless, Dolph Lundgren, Jean Claude-van-Damme, and Danny Trejo are also very much up for their roles (sometimes parodied from their names or prior roles), though they aren't given as much to do from a voice acting perspective.
Of course, Carell continues to do a wonderful job as Gru 12 years into the franchise, and playing a much younger version of him. Russell Brand, Julie Andrews and Steve Coogan all appear as younger versions of their characters as well.
There's also a solid 70's infused soundtrack here as well, including a fun original end credits song by the legendary Diana Ross ("Turn Up the Sunshine"). In fact, I would not be surprised if the song gets some awards season love. The animation is fun, vibrant, and carries some of the most outrageous art and style choices I've seen in awhile. The editing is sharp, and there's some clever references to James Bond and other franchises along the way. The pacing is quick and works with the 88 minute runtime. And, thankfully, it does pause for a little development and reflection for at least a couple of its' human characters. Maybe a little bit more of that would have been nice.
On the downside, longtime franchise composer Heitor Pereira does get a little too carried away with references to the Despicable Me movies instrumental cues. Meanwhile, the beginning leans a little too generic, with an action scene involving too obvious nods to Tomb Raider. And, some of the gags don't land either.
In the end, however, Rise of Gru works more up to what I would expect from a prequel. For the franchise as a whole, it's not the strongest or most heartwarming entry, but it delivers just about everything else you would expect - escapist family entertainment at its zaniest.
Grade: B
Is this movie family friendly? Minions: The Rise of Gru is rated PG for "some action/violence and rude humor". That's an accurate rating. There's a lot of cartoonish violence and perilous situations here. Characters are hurt from time to time. One is burned. One is nearly stretched by being tied on moving clock hands. Of course, the Minions get bopped from time to time, but are relatively unharmed. Characters are crushed, cause some minor destruction here and there, etc. Cars crash. We see a Jaws poster and hear its' music. Other than that, there's a couple of moments of Minion rear nudity. A fart "grenade" is used in a theater. A minor explosion has a Minion blowing "smoke rings" as a reference to a 70's stereotype/trend. Minions cross-dress to disguise themselves, and we see tennis balls fall out meant to pose for women's figures. Song lyrics sometimes are a tad suggestive. Gru and the Minions do some "despicable" deeds (nothing too offensive, but nothing kids should be repeating). In the end, this is an OK choice for ages 7 and up, though some pre or post-movie conversations probably would be a good idea.
Is this movie family friendly? Minions: The Rise of Gru is rated PG for "some action/violence and rude humor". That's an accurate rating. There's a lot of cartoonish violence and perilous situations here. Characters are hurt from time to time. One is burned. One is nearly stretched by being tied on moving clock hands. Of course, the Minions get bopped from time to time, but are relatively unharmed. Characters are crushed, cause some minor destruction here and there, etc. Cars crash. We see a Jaws poster and hear its' music. Other than that, there's a couple of moments of Minion rear nudity. A fart "grenade" is used in a theater. A minor explosion has a Minion blowing "smoke rings" as a reference to a 70's stereotype/trend. Minions cross-dress to disguise themselves, and we see tennis balls fall out meant to pose for women's figures. Song lyrics sometimes are a tad suggestive. Gru and the Minions do some "despicable" deeds (nothing too offensive, but nothing kids should be repeating). In the end, this is an OK choice for ages 7 and up, though some pre or post-movie conversations probably would be a good idea.
