Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022)

For over a decade, the "Despicable Me" series has been a global phenomenon for audiences. The most significant part of the iconic film series is the minions. The henchmen of Steve Carrell's eponymous character, Gru, are back in this sequel to the 2015s "Minions".  This new film shows once again that the infectiousness of these films are still alive and well. Unlike its predecessor, this sequel has what that film did not have, and that's consistency. With this film being delayed multiple times throughout the past few years, this was worth the wait. 

The humor in this film is just as you would expect from the crew at "Illumination", as funny as ever! Though the previous installment was not as nearly as entertaining as this sequel is. This film is the reason why myself and audiences everywhere are so entertained by these funny characters. The antics from the minions are just as goofy as they have ever been and this film reiterates the fact that these films are comedy gold. 

Steve Carell returns as Gru in this sequel that details the origins of how the character became a villain. His voice work as a young Gru is similar to that of the original one but it's just as effective as it has been in the rest of the franchise. His talents in the films have proven to rank among my personal favorite animated film franchises of all time. Starring alongside him are Alan Arkin, Julie Andrews (reprising her role as Grus mom), Taraji P. Henson and Michelle Yeoh. They add just as much entertaining fun as much as Carell does and that chemistry is on full display. 

What a film like this without the minions? They are the best part of the film and that goes without saying. The humor among them is the best yet! I think that much like I did, audiences will get a kick out of their shenanigans. On top of the mischief of the minions, is the soundtrack. Compiled with hits from the 1970s, this film remains an entertaining delight. Now, the action is great with the high standards of the franchise. It keeps the film exciting throughout the whole thing. 

Ever since the first "Despicable Me" came out in 2010, who knew that it would go on to become one of cinemas biggest animated franchises of all time? This film shows once again that the love and enjoyment of these films won't go away. This film is yet another great example of an entertaining animated film. The franchise has been beloved by audiences of all ages and I don't see that love dying anytime soon. This film is proof of that. 

Poster courtesy of Illumination and Universal 

Rate: A

Director: Kyle Balda

Starring: Steve Carell, Julie Andrews, Pierre Coffin, Taraji P. Henson, Alan Arkin and Michelle Yeoh

MPAA Rating: PG (for some action, violence and rude humor) 

Runtime: 1 Hour and 27 Minutes

Synopsis: In the heart of the 1970s, amid a flurry of feathered hair and flared jeans, Gru (Oscar® nominee Steve Carell) is growing up in the suburbs. A fanboy of a supervillain supergroup known as the Vicious 6, Gru hatches a plan to become evil enough to join them. Luckily, he gets some mayhem-making backup from his loyal followers, the Minions. Together, Kevin, Stuart, Bob, and Otto--a new Minion sporting braces and a desperate need to please--deploy their skills as they and Gru build their first lair, experiment with their first weapons and pull off their first missions. When the Vicious 6 oust their leader, legendary fighter Wild Knuckles (Oscar® winner Alan Arkin), Gru interviews to become their newest member. It doesn't go well (to say the least), and only gets worse after Gru outsmarts them and suddenly finds himself the mortal enemy of the apex of evil. On the run, Gru will turn to an unlikely source for guidance, Wild Knuckles himself, and discover that even bad guys need a little help from their friends.