Movie Review: ‘Minions: Rise of Gru’ isn’t game-changing, but doesn’t need to be

Simple, and nothing out of the ordinary, “Minions: Rise of Gru” continues the trend of entertaining animated films featuring everyone’s favorite yellow henchmen.

Nearly three years after the first teaser trailer released, “Minions: Rise of Gru” is finally hitting theaters. Unlike the first Minions entry, this film is heavily centered around … well … the rise of Gru.

minions rise of gru poster

Barely 11 years old, Gru (Steve Carell) and his lovable Minions find themselves on the run after they steal a mysterious stone from the most despicable group of villains, The Vicious Six.

The usual suspects of Kevin, Stuart, and Bob return for this adventure, along with a new Minion named Otto.

I can honestly say “Despicable Me” will be a film that I will look back on and say is one of the best animated feature films of all time. What came after, I unfortunately cannot say the same about “Despicable Me 2,” “Despicable Me 3,” and “Minions,” which, though entertaining, never quite lived up to the original. With that being said, I can’t say “Minions: Rise of Gru” is the amazing sequel that we have been waiting 12 years for, but I can say it manages to continue the streak of entertaining animated films from this massively successful franchise.

With every entry into this franchise, each film has become less distinguishable. At one point on my ride home from the screening, my friend and I were talking about the other “Despicable Me” movies and couldn’t differentiate one film’s plot from another’s. But I feel the formula they have found works, the plot is easy to follow, and the funny antics of the Minions make for a fun ride.

Similar to DreamWorks films, Illumination has found that fine line between adult comedy and child comedy, making these films enjoyable for the whole family.

If someone asked me where this falls in my nonexistent “Despicable Me” franchise rankings, I would say it falls in the middle of the road for me. Not as good as “Despicable Me 1” and “2” but a solid improvement from “Despicable Me 3” and “Minions.”

Filled with action, comedy, and more Minion booty than ever, “Minions: Rise of Gru” had me smiling from start to finish.

“Minions: Rise of Gru” is rated PG and is available in Real D 3D, Dolby Cinema, and IMAX. It is one hour and 27 minutes long and there are no mid or end credit scenes.

In the parks

In celebration of “Minions: Rise of Gru,” from now through July 17, 2022 guests can meet the newest Minion, Otto – along with fan favorites Jerry and Dave – at both Universal Hollywood and Universal Studios Florida.

Want to sign up to become a minion? “Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem” gives guests the opportunity to see if they have what it takes to be one of Gru’s minions. What could go wrong? “Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem” rides are located at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Hollywood.

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