Minions

Since their first appearance in Despicable Me (2012) there’s just been something about the minions that’s left people wanting more. Maybe it’s how adorable they are or their inexplicable obsession with bananas, maybe it’s the unanswered questions they’ve left us with: where did they come from? Why are they called minions? What exactly are they? Well, Universal’s latest summer flick does a good job of answering these and there’s plenty of goofy family fun to be had along the way.

The minions, we learn, have been around since the dawn of time with one express purpose: to serve the most despicable boss they can find. Unfortunately, they’re not that great at keeping said boss alive. After a string of failed endeavours the minions retreat to the Antarctic but after a while the lack of a boss begins to get to them. Enter Kevin, a brave young minion who offers to venture out to the world to seek out a new boss for his buddies. Along with him for the ride are the laid back Stuart and sweet, childlike Bob.

The three travel to the states to find the most despicable boss they can which they find in Scarlett Overkill (Sandra Bullock). Scarlett has big ideas about becoming Queen of England so she tasks the minions with stealing her crown. Shenanigans ensue.

Minions is nothing special or particularly mind-blowing, but as far as kid’s movies go it’s pretty good. The humour is goofy enough to work for all ages and there are a lot of nods and references to the era that older viewers will appreciate. The animation is sound, the opening credits are particularly pretty. Most of the action takes place in 1960’s London and the backgrounds are detailed and spirit of the time is captured nicely.

The plot works well, the minions, villains and even the minor characters are surprisingly fleshed out. With the cast rounded out by Jon Hamm (playing Scarlett’s husband), Steve Coogan, Michael Keaton and Geoffrey Rush, as well as a pretty excellent soundtrack (featuring many a minion cover version – move over chipmunks) there’s not much to gripe about.

Natasha Furlong

Minions is released nationwide on 26^th June 2015.

Watch the trailer for Minions here: