Movie review: Minions

In this Despicable Me prequel, the minions tell their story of villain-worshipping. Flashbacks, narration, and linguistically garbled speech show us how the minions became to be such wonderful henchmen.

Sandra Bullock (Scarlet), Jon Hamm (Herb), Michael Keaton (Walter), Allison Janney (Madge), Jennifer Saunders (The Queen), Geoffrey Rush (Narrator), Steve Carell (Young Gru), Pierre Coffin (The Minions).

Minions may be a prequel, but it is also a lot of fun by itself. The minions may be bumbling, incoherent, and short but they are devoted to their current villain boss. The problem is, they can't seem to stay employed. Bouncing from one boss to another, much as they bounce all the time, the minions find employment with a variety of unsavory and dangerous villains. They also have fun every single second and while we can't understand them, we seem to end up laughing along anyway.

Acting, well, there wasn't any because this is an animated film. That said, voice work was quite enjoyable. Bullock worked well as a villain, and paired well with Hamm who delivered nicely. Saunders also did well as The Queen. Coffin, the voice of the minions, seems quite talented and did a wonderful job.

Though I am not much of an animation fan, the work here felt pretty good. While this is a film aimed at younger viewers so things are kept pretty simple, they are also technically well done. Animation was minimalistic but enjoyable, and was timed nicely with the soundtrack. Perspective and backgrounds were nicely detailed. Sound and soundtrack were also good.

While not an adult film, those of you with younger children who get stuck watching this one should still enjoy it. There are some good laughs, and the minions are just plain silly fun.

Oh, and before I forget… BANANA!!

Nothing here to limit audience age. Go crazy kids!

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 6.3.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Children & Family movies, Animation, Comedy, Family

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel