Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Minions

Directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda.
2015. Rated PG, 91 minutes. 
Cast:
Pierre Coffin
Sandra Bullock
Jon Hamm
Michael Keaton
Allison Janney
Steve Coogan
Geoffrey Rush
Jennifer Saunders
Hiroyuki Sanada
Steve Carell

After the success of the first two Despicable Me movies, and the fact that they're generally everyone's favorite thing about either one, it was inevitable that The Minions (all voiced by director Pierre Coffin) would get their own movie. They do so in the form of a prequel. During the prologue, we find out that Minions have actually been around forever and their sole purpose is to serve their villainous masters. However, they've accidentally killed every master they ever had. This causes them to go into a mass depression and separate themselves from humanity and take up residence in Antartica. Finally, in the late 1960s one of them, Kevin, has had enough. He decides to venture out into the world to find a new villain to serve. When he does, Stuart and Bob tag along. Through some interesting occurrences they find themselves working for Scarlet Overkill (Bullock), the world's most famous super-villain. She takes them back to London, where she makes her home, and tasks them to steal St. Edward's Crown from Queen Elizabeth II. Miniony stuff ensues.

I've been accused of being childish, or at least having childish taste. That's my way of preparing you for my next statement. This movie is right up my alley. Rather than take hits to my maturity lying down, I think there are some rather sophisticated reasons for this. For one, there are a ton of pop-culture references slipped in that I'm sure went way over the head of the theater full of kids I watched it with. How could they not? Just about all of them are to things coming out of the 1960s. To be honest, most of the parents of the target audience are too young. I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't get the jokes. As for me, I was in stitches when sly nods were given to Jimi Hendrix, Andy Warhol, and a number of others. References to more modern things were a shade more subtle. The finale is nothing, if not an homage to old monster flicks and the original Ghostbusters. If that doesn't work for you, fine. There is also a ton of toilet and body humor of the borderline inappropriate type. It was funny to the kids. Funny to me. Don't judge.


Another major plus is the voice work of Sandra Bullock. She can be hit or miss with me, and this was definitely a hit. She is perfectly over the top and keeps the movie flowing. Her job is a bit tougher than you might think. The fact is she has to handle inordinate portion of the film's understandable dialogue. For the three of you that aren't familiar, our heroes speak their own language. Within it, there are bits of English, Spanish, and other things, but generally sounds like gibberish. While we understand what they mean, knowing what's being said falls squarely onto Bullock's lap. She handles the job very well. As Overkill's husband and partner-in-crime Herb, Jon Hamm also does very well. He brings a more understated, sarcastic quality that works well when juxtaposed with Bullock's insane diva act. Of course, we eventually get Steve Carell reprising the role of Gru which is always good.

There is nothing deep going on, here. It's a movie that only has its comedy to rely on. Thankfully, that comedy is very good. Visually, it's right in line with the rest of the Despicable Me franchise. Actually, it's a bit better due to advancements in technology and a generally bigger approach to things. I don't always fall for the bigger is better approach, but in this case it's effective. However, through all of the positives, there is a negative. To continue with The Minions getting their own movies, the powers that be have to continually come up with exceptionally strong human characters. Bullock provides that here, but even so, there are times when she overwhelms our heroes relegating them to supporting players in their own movies. This is also due to the fact that none of them really stands out as a strong enough personality to carry a movie. As it stands, the movie works. How well depends on how much you get all the references and your tolerance for butt jokes.

14 comments:

  1. I loved this movie, but I disagree with you on only one thing. I thought Bullock was really, really bland, especially compared to the voice-work in Despicable Me. But other than that I agree with most of your thoughts. How great was the soundtrack!! 60's rock for the win! Also, did you notice the huge poster that said "A MAN YOU CAN TRUST" with Nixon's face underneath? Hahaha I thought that was the funniest part, and it sure went over the head of the kids in the theatre with me!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did notice that poster and laughed hysterically. Way over the kids' heads. Loved the soundtrack, too.

      Delete
  2. You're right about Bullock having to carry the dialogue. I thought it was ballsy of them to have an entire movie centered around characters that speak Spaengfrenibberish. (Or whatever the hell that was I picked out at least 3 different languages) I did love the Warhol jokes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There may have been even more than that. Definitely a ballsy move on their part.

      Delete
  3. Dell. Dell? Delllllllllllllllllll! Say it ain't so!

    Actually, i'm glad you liked it, as even though I basically hated this movie, I wasn't actively rooting against it. I just thought it felt like it was lacking. The pieces were there....but it didn't come together like I wanted it, too(for me, Bullock's voice work represents this best).

    But, hey. I didn't HATE Vacation. So, what do I know?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lol, I know I'm going to see the new Vacation at some point, but I'm dreading it.

      Delete
  4. I took my little cousins to this one. Hated it. It is definitely NOT "right up my alley." It had a few moments. Like you, I really enjoyed the 60s music and some of the references, but I hardly laughed at all and got super bored at times.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I thought this was mostly fun, but it went on for too long. I think the Minions are better in small doses. It didn't have the sustained wackiness that the Despicable Me movies had, but the moments where it worked had me rolling.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. At barely 90 minutes, it felt right to me. Had it gone on any longer, I'd be right with you.

      Delete
  6. This film was NOT right for me at all, but I did enjoy all of the 60's references that they put on this film and Sandra Bullock's performance for certain. Also, I'm glad you had more of a fun time watching this film than I did.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. I know it wasn't the greatest movie ever, but it worked for me. A lot.

      Delete
  7. Nice review Wendell. Recently reviewed this as well and didn't have as good of a reaction to it. I really didn't like any of the human characters and thought they left the minions hanging. That said there is still fun to be had. That opening segment with Geoffrey Rush narrating is hilarious!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. Looks like I'm in the minority on liking Minions. Completely agree about the opening.

      Delete