Review of Minions (2015) by Anzaan A — 19 Nov 2017

Having mostly gibberish for script, this movie is a prove that visual antics and a few timely noises go a long way to induce laughter. In a throwback to classic setting and comedy, this spin-off might not be bigger than most animations in recent time, but it's still an enjoyable foray. The style of 60s world and era appropriate soundtracks enhance the atmosphere as these peculiar creatures dabble in feeble mischief.

Story follows three particular minions on their way to find the most dreadful villain there is. The journey takes them across the globe until they meet Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock). Graphic-wise Minions is presentable. Though not all of the set pieces are magic, some of the displays, such as the rainy night or monarch architecture are still engaging and presented with nifty details.

The mostly simplistic nature works well, bringing visual cues and lots of squeaking mumbles. It doesn't use elaborate word plays, but this is actually an advantage as the humor is readily accessible for any casual viewer. Several of the jokes are distinctly amusing, though it doesn't fall flat even when a couple of them don't hit the high note.

It also boasts notable pop references of the time, from the ironic quips and its zippy tunes. The human characters can be a bit stereotypical or over-the-top, since these are mostly spoof version of action flick baddies. Its actual villain portrayal might take the name Overkill way too seriously for comical purpose.

The presentation for visual humor is fine and the references are easily relatable. Minions is not a cerebral endeavor or emotional adventure, though these awkward yellow simpletons are notoriously delightful.

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24 out of 45 people found the following review useful:

Minions Movie Magic.

9/10.

Author: Ruca Ashraf from Egypt.

10 July 2015.

*** This review may contain spoilers ***.

This movie takes the cake because it made $6.2 million this past preview on Thursday before the opening weekend, which makes this the best animated hit of all time.

Meet Stuart, Kevin and Bob indeed. The minions are majestic companions. So they deserve their own spin off movie and finally got one. This movie is a prequel, which is something cool. The Minions high energy and enthusiasm portray their naiveté and purity. Their silliness and clumsiness comes with ease and how they copy people and each other as if it's contagious.

To put a movie like this again and again in different ways must be difficult through directing and editing as well as the acting and character design. The soundtrack is fitting in with the times. Truly applaud the cast and crew.

The Minions are movie magic that as expected had us glued to our seats. The animation is top notch as always. For it to be in 3-D makes it all the more enjoyable. This movie has non-stop action and laughter for all. The minions are immortal henchmen creatures that try their best to be handy and helpful. That will try their best to lead champions from the Ancient Egyptians to Napoleon.

The minions have many mannerisms that make them accessible to kids. For example, their language is so fun for kids to hear and their fascination with bananas are hilarious. Very well planned, organized and executed.

It is very educational in that it teaches never to give up regardless of the number of mistakes because giving up is depressing on the long run. The Minions learned this lesson the hard way. Then the importance of family is another lesson. For instance, the villain family as well as the Minion family - all focus on helping the family first. Helping those in need but with a bias is not an intended lesson but funny to watch.

Overall brilliant the minions can carry a movie. Yet a sequel on their own is not needed. A show without Gru or other funny character that are not villains is perhaps a better addition.

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26 out of 49 people found the following review useful:

The Three Stooges meet 60's Music.

8/10.

Author: mgfuchs99 from United States.

10 July 2015.

Minions!!!

Three Stooges meet 60's music. Really simplistic plot (if any) that likely will put off adults. This is not Despicable Me, Wall-E or Incredibles, it is more of a classic cartoon - fun but pointless. Frenetic enough comic action for little ones. Enough rude & crude stuff for older kids. Great soundtrack of 60's music for grandparents (with a really disturbing but funny performance of "Hair".). There are many slow parts that I guess are directed at adults, and I was surprised my theater full of toddlers didn't get bored during those.

None of the families with kids stayed through the credits, missing out on the "cast" party set to The Beatles "Revolution" - loaded with (as the Muppets put it) cheap 3D gimmicks. Unlike Wall-E there was no visual action through the credits roll to keep anyone's attention, which is a shame because the post credit madness was well done fun.

I give it a B-. It's got a beat and you can dance to it.

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26 out of 49 people found the following review useful:

Good enough missing something.

8/10.

Author: bigcd57 from lancaster sc.

7 July 2015.

OK so I am a minnion fan as are my siblings we were all excited to get. A free preivew of this movie and here is how it went we all love the movie no doubt about it did it have the same charm as despicable me no was it as funny no however it was still very worth a watch loved the adventures of bob stew and Kevin filled with suprizes and joy for all ages kinda missed agnais Margo and the other girl "can't remember her name but the movie was still fabulous can't say I regret seeing it the kids seemed to enjoy it too just don't expect despicable me and u should like it just fine I say 9 out of 10 rating suitable for 7 and over due to some rude humor.

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38 out of 73 people found the following review useful:

Not Sandra Bullock's best.

9/10.

Author: yengahan-254-257374.

11 July 2015.

Really funny movie. Lots of little quirky links to other movies, well-known music, famous people. You'd have to see it a few times to catch them all. I was somewhat disappointed at how the director chose to use Sandra Bullock's voice. I didn't find the character of Scarlett Overkill frightening enough, and as a result Sandra Bullock's voice was somewhat plain, there wasn't much sweetness versus angryness/threat in the voice, like you find with other movie villains. Scarlet Overkill's plans for the crown were crazy, but that didn't really come out. Nevertheless, I think I'll need to go again sometime. There is so much funniness in this movie.

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42 out of 81 people found the following review useful:

A treat for the whole family!

9/10.

Author: iRoswell from America.

11 July 2015.

My wife and I went to see this, we loved both Despicable Me's, and had high hopes for the movie. Thankfully, while it wasn't as good as either Despicable Me's, it was a good movie. It is very kid oriented, duh, so don't go thinking you're going to get an in-depth plot line. The minions are corny and their antics are as slapstick as they are in Despicable Me. While you would think that it would be difficult to relate to, due to them not speaking English, it's not a problem. They did a great job at making everything understandable through context, even for a small child. The biggest issue I had was in the form of Scarlet Overkill. I didn't care for the angle they chose to go with her. I'll leave it at that so I don't include any spoilers. If you have small children, they will love every minute of this movie. Minions is simple, fun, and safe for anyone!!!

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43 out of 83 people found the following review useful:

Super Cute.

9/10.

Author: shinraturk888 from United States.

8 July 2015.

Minions isn't as great a story as Despicable Me, but it's definitely a lot of fun. It's just a silly little story, giving some background to the little corn pops.

I really had a good time watching it. There's lots of goofy action, and thank god, it wasn't full of stupid bathroom humour. It was actually pretty funny. The kids will like it.

My favourite part of the movie was the soundtrack. The movie takes place in the 60s, so the songs comes from that era. It's going to introduce so many kids to a lot of good music, and you can never go wrong with that, especially nowadays.

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47 out of 91 people found the following review useful:

Simply perfect.

10/10.

Author: shootingstarforgiven from Canada.

14 July 2015.

This is not a complicated film. There is no sophisticated humour. Most of it is toddler level.

The plot is summarized on the trailers. The minions are a tribe of yellow round things that want to assist villains in their villainy. They have been doing this since the dawn of time. Historically they have run in to difficulties in their quest to identify the perfect bad guy to serve. After repeated failures they withdrew to the arctic and attempted to entertain themselves, putting the concerns of other life forms to the side.

The protagonists, Bob, Stuart and Kevin are three minions that decided to brave the unknown and seek out a new leader. They depart and arrive in New York, in 1968. Essentially, we then follow their adventures throughout the film.

Wackiness ensues. The laws of physics are suspended. Gibberish is spoken to wondrous effect.

You don't have to be 2 years old to love this film. I personally love it, and I'm an adult without children. I don't even really like children, but if I had a child I imagine they would like this film. The Minions have this magical quality that forces the rational mind to check out, like anything adorable. They're mischievous, clumsy, and sweet - they want to do good, and this makes them endearing.

Some have complained that this movie lacks substance. I would respond that you don't need substance with a movie like this. It is gold, yellow gold.

But, I am sorry for all the mass marketing.

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47 out of 91 people found the following review useful:

A different perspective for you folk.

8/10.

Author: punishable-by-death from Australia.

4 July 2015.

I live under a rather large rock. I don't have TV reception and I am horrible with pop culture. I just follow movies, obsessively, and that has only been for the last two years. So in my world, until not long ago I had no idea what the Minions were. I now feel a little foolish, as for once my friends answer 'yes' when I mention the last film I saw. This is not the normal reaction I get. Apparently this movie is a massive deal. But none of this bothers me. Is this a good film to become a child again for 90 minutes while giggling yourself stupid? Well... A thousand times yes!! I even find the very purpose of their existence to be a funny, somewhat dark joke. They live to serve tyrants. If these guys were people, they'd have served in the S-freakin-S. Which the movie conveniently ignores when going through the Minions' history, good decision. But hey, they are little, adorable yellow things so its hard to ever picture them in a bad way. They just want to help! Even if it is the SS! This film is filled with slapstick comedy, which is great for all ages, while there are some great jokes early on for older viewers: my favourite, a giant poster saying "A MAN YOU CAN TRUST", and under those letters is a giant face of Nixon. Ha!! There is a lot packed in here, but if it has a flaw, and it does, it is the second half. Sandra Bullock sounds like she phoned in her effort - literally - and the humour simply wasn't as rife as it was during the first half.

The best thing about Minions is it is achingly funny, the second half still great, but not compared to the first, which is simply a riot. I love the fact that their language can be gibberish, but we can follow what they are saying most of the time. I find it to be an amazing achievement honestly, especially given it is animated. But the truly great thing about this movie is it is 90 minutes of being a child again. Personally this is kind of great for me, as I have zero memories from before I was thirteen. So to watch a movie that truly makes me feel like a child, in the best possible sense, is a damn good experience.