Film Review -Minions: The Rise Of Gru (2022)

The Pandemic delayed many films, Minions: Rise Of Gru is one of the remaining films finally seeing the light of day. The original Despicable Me spin-off Minions released in 2015 witnessed Kevin, Stuart and Bob searched for a master. If you anyone saw that film know at the end they find their master, hence the name of the spin-off sequel…The Rise Of Gru.

For this one we find ourselves in 1970’s suburbia, Gru (once again voiced by Steve Carell) is a 12 year boy. He’s plotting his world domination, taking over the world in his basement and his little minions eager to please. Before we are introduced to Gru we meet the Vicious 6, the infamous villainous super group who just happen to be Gru’s heroes. Like any kid of his age he has posters, collectibles , apparel over his walls. He learns the group are now only have 5 members and are recruiting . We see what happens to that other member in a Jackie Chan/Indian Jones style mission. All for a stone that will help the Vicious 6 become the ultimate villains of the world.

The Vicious 6 include the legendary leader Wild Knuckles (Alan Arkin), Bell Bottom (Taraji P.Henson). Jean-Claude Van Damme as the nihilistic Jean Clawed, who’s armed (literally) with a giant robotic claw; Lucy Lawless as Nunchuck, whose traditional nun’s habit hides her deadly nun-chucks; Dolph Lundgren as Swedish roller-skate champion Svengeance, who dispenses his enemies with spin kicks from his spiked skates. Finally Danny Trejo as Stronghold, whose giant iron hands are both a menace to others and a burden to him.

When Gru goes to the interview, the group are not impressed, however Gru finds himself on the run from the apex of evil, meanwhile the Minions learn Kung Fu trying to help their master

Let’s get one thing straight here, I’m not the targeted demographic, this is one for the kids. I have one rule, regardless if the film is ripped to shreds by critics but the kids go laugh, smile and enjoy the film, it’s job done and The Rise Of Gru does that.

There is little easter eggs thrown in there for adults will laugh at and many did including myself at times. The opening credits they spoof a 1970’s James Bond film.

One I liked was the Vicious 6 secret base just happens to the underground part of a record store aptly named Criminal Records ran by a young wannabe Nefario (Russell Brand) as fans of the franchise becomes Gru’s gadget man.

Pierre Coffin who created the franchise is once again voicing the Minions. Slapstick is the name of the game here. Vaudevillian, immature very funny the kids love. If you love the likes of Tati, Marx Brothers, Laurel and Hardy to name a few you can see Mel Brooks, Airplane inspiration here. Slapstick is constructed, you can see what’s about to happen for example when learning Kung Fu from (Michelle Yeoh) Master Chow to the minions you know they are going to fail and chaos will break out.

The best scene for myself working for a airline at my local airport, is how the minions get to San Francisco which had myself laughing as well as audience laughing out loud.

The kids will love Minions: Rise Of Gru , so may the adults. In a time where the world outside is horrible 90 minutes of escapism you can’t go wrong here .