Minions: The Rise of Gru

Minions: The Rise of Gru review by Tanya Djavadzadeh

Written by: Matthew Fogel, story by Brian Lynch

Directed by: Kyle Balda, Brad Ableson, & Jonathan del Val

Rating: 🏆 most excellent

Minions: The Rise of Gru is a blast from the past as we get into the groove and go back to Gru’s childhood set in the 1970s. The aspiring villain dreams of joining the supervillain supergroup  - The Vicious 6. He gets the opportunity to interview for the team, which is quickly bombed, and the chaos begins. Gru’s loyal Minions, Kevin, Stuart, Bob, and Otto will do anything to protect their leader and help him reach his goal to become the world’s greatest villain ever known! 

The film is full of colorful, psychedelic visuals which make for such an exciting watch. We’re in the disco era, baby! This is represented in the entertainment industry through music and film a lot more lately to the point where Apple has even given us a disco ball emoji - exciting times. The musical influences from the 70s are portrayed through the soundtrack in the background, but also during fun scenes with the Minions who created their own adapted versions of some songs. The editing in certain scenes enhances the visuals in a way that makes many moments very suspenseful. The outfits the characters wear throughout the film truly give you a groovy feel! I'm obsessed. 

Minions are amazing, loyal beings who deserve the world. Sometimes, Gru doesn't realize what is right in front of him which can truly hurt the Minions' feelings, but to them- it’s okay. They will do anything to make Gru happy. I feel like I resonate with a different Minion in each film of the franchise. In this particular film, Otto stole my heart. I loved him from the moment he started his Banana language rants. Otto is a superstar in my eyes and should be cherished by the masses. 

Minions: The Rise of Gru is a silly, lighthearted, and enjoyable time. It's probably one of my favorite animated films to come out recently. I laughed with the children around me which made my inner child jump with joy. I left the theater with a huge smile on my face. I love the energy Minions have and feel like we need more of that in the Universe right now. Go watch it!