Minions: The Rise of Gru – a movie review by Alex First
Minions: The Rise of Gru is an origin story and an ode to the music of the ‘70s.
The year is 1976.
A bored teacher asks the children in her class at elementary school what they want to be when they grow up.
Gru (the voice of Steve Carrel) is in no two minds. He has his sights set on becoming a supervillain … and before long he gets his chance.
That comes about thanks to the clandestine efforts of a nefarious outfit known as the Vicious Six. They operate from the bowels of a building daubed with the sign “Criminal Records”.
Having ditched his faithful, if accident-prone minions, Gru sets in chain a series of events that has members of the Vicious Six chasing him and minions Kevin, Stuart, Bob and Otto.
Minions: The Rise of Gru is heaps of fun.
It is a delightful script, which promises to continue the popularity of Gru and the Minions.
It is filled with good humour, animated sight gags, adventure and fantasy.
Hair raising chases, combat, Indiana Jones-like impediments, the hilly terrain of San Francisco, a kooky-shaped lair and Chinese New Year celebrations all feature.
Importantly, it is family fun. While children will appreciate it, so too will adults.
Gru remains our favourite good bad guy and the minions bumbling sidekicks, who communicate in tongues.
Master Chow (the voice of Michelle Yeoh) kicks butt as the kung fu master turned acupuncturist who teaches minions Kevin, Stuart and Bob martial arts.
As Gru’s mum, Marlena (Julie Andrews) won’t stand for any nonsense, while Dr Nefario, (Russell Brand) is an aspiring mad scientist who gives Gru a helping hand.
The blend of ditsy characters, colourful animation and a rollicking storyline works a treat.
Add to that a terrific ’70 soundtrack from Grammy-winning music producer Jack Antonoff and you are onto a winner.
Long live Gru and the minions. Already, it is the highest-grossing animated film franchise of all time. The box office take is set to burgeon.
Rated PG, Minions: The Rise of Gru 87 mins and scores an 8 out of 10.
