Minions: The Rise of Gru (Illumination, PG)
It feels a little silly sitting down to write a review for a kid’s movie. I know, you could argue all of my MCU reviews are essentially reviews of kid’s movies, but that take is - well - juvenile. This is one of only a few kid’s movies I have screened. And, as such, I brought my daughter to this screening. Honestly her reaction is the only review anyone should be looking for when debating if they should go see Minions: The Rise of Gru. As an adult, more importantly as a parent, what I find silly is that while writing this review I found myself debating the principles of film. I find it pretty significantly comical that I almost wrote about this movies adherence to the three act structure, or the fact that I wanted to measure its necessity in the larger universe of Minions films. The reality is that this movie was made for children, and as someone who got to watch it in a room full of children, they loved it.
Taking place in the 70s, Minions: The Rise of Gru follows Gru as a child. The budding super-villain wants, more than anything, to be added as a new member to the super-villain super group The Vicious 6. Having just outed the oldest and founding member Wild Knuckles, they need to add a new sixth, and Gru seizes the opportunity to make his villainy known. Obviously the Vicious 6 aren’t thrilled by the appearance of a twelve year old, but in the ensuing ruckus caused by the next applicant Gru lifts the Vicious 6’s prized possession, a recently stolen jade amulet. What follows is a goofy wild goose chase wherein Gru and his minions attempt to outrun and outsmart the insulted and incensed super group.
If you sit down to ask yourself if this movie is important, you will absolutely come to the conclusion that it is not. The answer you should be looking for is why this movie was made. Again, as an adult the obvious, or perhaps most apparent answer, is merchandise. But the less cynical take, one I am prone to leaning into because the world is cynical enough, is that this movie was made for children. But this isn’t to say that the movie is phoned in. The vocal performances are all very good, surely due in large part to Minions’ The Rise of Gru’s mind-bendingly talented cast. Steve Carrell, Alan Arkin, Taraji P. Henson, Michelle Yeoh, Julie Andrews, Russell Brand, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren, Danny Trejo, Lucy Lawless, RZA, Will Arnett, and Steve Coogan all have roles in this film. It’s a smorgasbord of talent. Factually. What this inevitably does is lead to a movie that, silly as it may be, is full of very good actors having a lot of fun being goofy. What else could you want?
There is literally something for everyone in this movie, even if that something is a single scene or a B-plot. Motorcycle trip across the desert? Check. Kung Fu training montage? Check. Treasure Heist? Check. Minions? Cheeeeeck. Fart Gadgets? Check. Killer 70s music tracks. Check, check and check. The plot is a little messy, and some of the physical humor is a bit tired if you’ve seen every movie. But…like…the kids in the theater laughed raucously every three minutes. Want a sure fire way to entertain your kids without worrying about the content of what they’re watching? Minions: The Rise of Gru is a perfect choice. Inoffensive, safe, measured comedy. Even if you, as an adult, shake your head more than you chuckle out loud, the part of you that appreciates bad humor - sorry I meant to say dad humor - will by quite pleasantly satisfied.
Minions: The Rise of Gru is exactly what you expect it to be: Goofy, unnecessary, silly, and just plain fun. Take your kids to this movie, turn off your brain, and turn on your ears. Listen to those little giggles and chuckles. Those are worth the price of admission. And If you allow yourself to have some fun at the expense of more intellectual humor, you may even find yourself enjoying your time as well. After all, what’s not to love about watching sentient twinkies get punted around by Van Damme and Trejo?
~Caleb