Key Details
- Directors: Kyle Balda, Brad Ableson and Johnathan del Val
- Animation Studio: Illumination Entertainment
- Country of Origin: United States of America
- Rating: PG
- Release Date: 30 June 2021 (In theatres across Singapore)
- Trailer: Click here
Introduction
Hey hey, follow explorers! Blaziker is back for another animation adventure and this time, we are heading back all the way to the 70s for the next movie, Minions 2: The Rise of Gru!
Directed by long-time Illumination veteran Kyle Balda, together with Brad Ableson and Johnathan del Val, it continues where the first Minions left off, with young Gru dreaming to become the world’s greatest supervillain and join the supervillain supergroup known as the “Vicious Six” with the help of his minions. However, when things did not go to plan and Gru gets kidnapped, the original minion trio of Kelvin, Stuart and Bob (with help from a brand-new dumb minion, Otto) heads to San Francisco to rescue Gru before it’s too late.
Given that I did not like the first Minions movie, will the sequel be an improvement from the first, or is it yet another Illumination cash grab to take advantage of the Minions’ popularity?
The Review
Story and Characters
Regarding the story, let me assure you would not be able to find any originality in the plot, given that the main story is something we had seen in the previous Despicable Me movie. However, what you will get in The Rise of Gru is a lot of heart and a lot of Minion gags, things missing from the first Minions movie.
While I dislike the first Minions movie due to the over-complicated story of how the Minions found a home with Gru, the second did a better job of how Gru became the supervillain he was in the main series. This was because of a better focus on not just the main minion trio, but also Gru trying to make his way into the Vicious Six.
Even more shocking, while the first Minions movie felt too obnoxious, even by Minions standards, the second felt more grounded, with enough gags that makes the audience laugh, while also have some heartfelt moments from Gru and the minions that took me by pleasant surprise.
However, despite these improvements, the writing can sometimes feel rushed because of the hectic pacing of the movie. While it is better than movies that slow down time despite short running times (I’m looking at you, Arctic Dogs and Marmaduke), I wish the writing was more coherent to make the heartfelt moments hit harder.
As for characters, Steve Carell returns as a younger Gru trying to make bank as he began his supervillain journey and had some moments, especially with his idol and member of the Vicious Six, Wild Knuckles (voiced by Alan Arkin). While the rest of the Vicious Six (led by Bella Bottom, voiced by Taraji P. Henson) had their moments, they were only there for the action and the villain shenanigans, which is more than enough.
As for the minions, the original minion trio of Kelvin, Stuart and Bob took centre stage, with their gags being well-timed and hilarious. Their kung-fu training with Master Chow (Michelle Yeoh) is a highlight personally. Funny that she ended up in two movies where there is a rock with googly eyes attached to it…
Also, is Otto a good minion? He may be dumb and incompetent, but at least he gets the job done in the end.
Animation
Talking about the animation, the animation in The Rise of Gru is very similar to the previous Despicable Me movies, in that you should expect the same but well-executed cartoony style that the series possesses. While that is not a bad thing, keep in mind that the Despicable Me franchise is about 12 years old, and given that it’s the fifth movie in the series, I was expecting Illumination to add something different and innovative in these movies. Alas, that did not happen.
What I do like, however, are the character designs of not just the minions, but also of the zodiac animals in the climactic scene. Given how much they nailed the animal animation in Sing 2, it seems they transfer those skills to good use in The Rise of Gru. In addition, the designs of Gru, the Vicious Six and the other characters blend well with the 70s setting, and the action sequences are hectic but with purpose.
Still, even with the positives in animation, I feel like we need to see more variety in not just the Despicable Me franchise, but also their other movies. Being a one-trick pony is not necessarily a bad thing, but when other animation studios are showcasing something different, Illumination needs to follow suit and update their animation style to stay fresh and remain competitive.
Special Sauce
Here are some unique features within Minions: The Rise of Gru that I found to be interesting:
- Marketing campaign: I know it’s not related to the movie, but given this is the longest marketing campaign for an animated movie (it was supposed to come out in 2020 given its first trailer came out two and a half years ago), Minions: The Rise of Gru saw an extensive marketing campaign, with memes about people buying tickets to watch the movie, and in formal wear, no less! I find the memes and word of mouth to be an encouraging sign nature is healing.
- Easter eggs: There are Easter eggs peppered throughout the movie in relation to both the Despicable Me movies and the first Minions movie. However, one particular Easter egg caught my eye in relation to a past villain, but considering it is a spoiler moment, I will not reveal it. Watch out for this one.
- Soundtrack: I dig the 70s-inspired soundtrack, especially with songs acquired from Beastie Boys and The Rolling Stones. Not the most memorable, but still effective to set the tone for the movie.
Overall, we saw nothing much new about Minions: The Rise of Gru, and given Illumination’s aforementioned one-trick pony route, we need to see more creativity and innovation from Illumination next time.
Conclusion
Given how much I did not like the first Minions movie, Minions: The Rise of Gru is a step-up from the first, and I bet even some detractors will find watching the movie pleasant.
Despite hectic, unfocused writing and Illumination recycling certain elements, Minions: The Rise of Gru got the heart and punchlines that was missing from the first. Even if certain moviegoers are getting tired of Illumination’s one-trick pony tactics, what it does show is that Illumination understands what Minions: The Rise of Gru is for: families who just want to have a fun time at the movies.
That is all for today’s animation adventure. I hope you enjoyed this journey, and see you next time for the next adventure and until then, k thanks bye!
Rating
- Story and writing: 3.5/5
- Animation: 3.5/5
- Special sauce: 3/5
- Overall score:10/15
Rating: Decent
