Spin-off movies face really high expectations, especially if the original movies were as universally loved as Despicable Me and Despicable Me 2. And for any contemporary family movie to be really great, it needs to (a) entertain the parents, as well as the kids (b) save up some surprises that aren’t revealed in the trailer, and (c) make my kid laugh so hard he can’t catch his breath. I’m happy to report that Minions succeeds on all levels!
As the movie opens, we get to witness the very origins of the Minion species, and their incessant drive to find the baddest bad guy to serve -- all narrated in Geoffrey Rush’s delightfully dulcet tones.They make some bizarre, hilarious choices throughout history, but when they get stuck in a masterless rut, three intrepid guys -- Bob, Stuart, and Kevin -- set out to find a great villain that will get them back on track, and save all Minion-kind.
The year is 1968, and the greatest villain of the moment is actually the world’s first female super villain, Scarlet Overkill, voiced by Sandra Bullock. The trio is given a trial run as her henchmen, and their lives -- and the future of all the Minions -- depends on their success. So, naturally, many mishaps and much mayhem ensue. (And the soundtrack, by the way, is extra groovy!)
I had high hopes, but low expectations going into this movie. I’ve been disappointed by far too many spinoffs (Penguins of Madagascar) and sequels (Night at the Museum 3) lately, and I was also concerned that the Minion gibberish would become annoying at least halfway through the movie. But I was pleasantly surprised. The movie is full of fun plot twists you just don’t see coming, and there were countless times when I wanted to hit the rewind and/or pause button because I was certain I’d missed funny stuff, given the many layers of comedic details they crammed in. (Another hallmark of a good movie -- immediately planning to watch the DVD!)
Minions opens in gazillions of theaters today. For local theaters and showtimes, go here.
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