Minions (7/10/2015)

Rated PG for action and rude humor.

Starring the voices of Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm and Michael Keaton

Directed by Kyle Balda and Pierre Coffin

Everyone loves the Minions…well at least in small doses.

The Minions, breakout stars from Despicable Me, are presented in an origin story that showcases their unpredictable personality and physicality, and pairs them with equally memorable human characters. As it turns out, Minions have existed since the beginning of time. They have evolved from single (yellow) cell organisms into the familiar beings we know, and they live for a collective purpose: to seek out and serve the most despicable master they can find. Academy Award winner Sandra Bullock will lead the voice cast of the human characters as Scarlett Overkill, the world’s reigning super-villain of the 1960s.

I don’t know anyone who didn’t love the little yellow things from Despicable Me. So I, like most people, was really excited about them getting their own film. However that excitement quickly faded and I realized the Minions could not sustain an entire feature film.

Things start funny enough with a brief history of the Minions since the beginning of time. They’ve always wanted to be henchman, and they are attracted to bad guys, so we see a lot of their past, unlucky bosses (Dracula, T. Rex, Napoleon, etc.) They wind up settling north worshipping the Abominable Snowman when three of them (Stuart, Kevin and Bob) decide to head out on a journey to look for a new master.

That’s when things start to go downhill.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but they started grating on my nerves after the first 45 minutes. The banana joke is funny the first couple of times, but it grows a little tired around the 1,000th time it’s told. Then there is that strange gibberish language that they speak. It was so funny in Despicable Me, but it just gets annoying rather quickly.

By the time one of the Minions grows to the size of King Kong and terrorizes London, I had totally checked out. The jokes at the beginning that include several jokes for adults proves to be a tease…this is a film strictly for children.

Quite honestly I felt this was more of an hour and half commercial for Minion toys that are flooding the shelves of your local Wal-Mart and Toys “R” Us than about a story on the big screen.

Sandra Bullock and Jon Hamm are both superstars, but neither one of them really deliver memorable performances. Michael Keaton is a little bit stronger, but still a bit of a disappointment.

I won’t spoil any surprises, but the film does feature a big cameo. Although I’m sure you can guess who it is.

As for the future of the Despicable Me series, a third film featuring Carell’s Gru is slated for 2017. Here’s to hoping that will be better than this one, but for Minions I give it an “Only if Free.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Yes, this one is fun for the whole family.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. What are some ways that Stuart, Kevin and Bob display selfless behavior?


2. What are some ways you have seen others be selfless?

Read Hebrews 13:16

But don’t forget to help others and to share your possessions with them. This too is like offering a sacrifice that pleases God.


3. How can you help others?


4. How can you realistically share your possessions?