Eleven year old 'Gru" is asked by his school teacher what he wants to be when he grows up. "A super villain" he retorts - to the derision of his classmates. Little do they know, though, that he has applied to join the "Vicious Six" who have, themselves, just dumped their founder member "Wild Knuckles". They aren't so impressed when he turns up at the interview but he uses his newly designed glue-gun to escape with their all powerful, emerald encrusted, stone. Now the five are on the warpath as he entrusts the stone to his minion friend "Otto", but he manages to swap it for a pebble with eyes so now embarks on a mammoth cycle ride to fetch it back whilst the pursuing villains cause havoc. Luckily, "Wild Knuckles" hasn't given up. He kidnaps "Gru" to get the stone back, but when he realises that he no longer has it, the two form an unlikely, and quite amusing, partnership to retrieve it. I guess I'm just the wrong demographic for this, because although it hits the ground running and never stops for breath, I just didn't really get it. The yellow ovoid creatures are fun, but hardy the stuff of big screen entertainment and the plot reminded me of the recently released "Bad Guys" animation that I didn't much like either. It's my first foray into "Despicable" territory, but the slapstick approach to the whole thing will probably ensure it's my last. Others will love it, I'm sure - the cinema on a Sunday night was packed to the rafters, but this hadn't enough for the grown up in me to remain engaged for long.
It sure has been a long wait for the sequel (7 years to be precise) but I think it's safe to say that the film does not disappoint. While the film lacks a strong plot and is louder than its prequel, it easily covers up with delightful comedy, a sprinkle of nostalgia and a satisfying dose of lovable Minions!
Very good movie, watched with my family and no regrets on it. Recommend to everybody!.
**Overall : The Rise of Gru returns the franchise to what it does best.** Minions: The Rise of Gru feels like the franchise is starting to return to what made it great. Bringing back great characters like Gru and Nefario substantiated the movie providing a stronger connection to the Despicable Me movies than the last Minions film. Great Easter eggs, clever jokes, and fun moments throughout equaled a fantastic new entry in this beloved franchise.
Some glow up! 2015's 'Minions' wasn't a film I found enjoyment with (6/10, fwiw), but its sequel genuinely entertained thoroughly. It doesn't offer anything truly hilarious, but there were a relatively high number of times where it made me chuckle. I was not expecting anything positive from it, yet it actually pulls through with a fun time. I'd even say it's the best release from the entire franchise. Steve Carell remains a strong lead for these 'Despicable Me' projects, as does Pierre Coffin - the voice of the Minions, of course! Taraji P. Henson is an excellent addition, as is Alan Arkin. Michelle Yeoh is good value too, but her character is a bit lame unfortunately - a bit of a waste of Yeoh, to be honest. Elsewhere, animation-wise: quality - very vibrant! Lastly, how many butt shots is too many butt shots? I counted at least 3, 4 perhaps: 3(?) x Minions and 1 x Gru. I hope this isn't Kyle Balda's version of Quentin Tarantino's thing...
FILTHY McNASTIEST goes beyond the previous films and introduces D'artagnan, who proves that the female is indeed the deadliest of the species! She grants Clavell's desire to satisfy his lover in one area where he's coming up "short" with hilariously over-the-top consequences!
Movie Star Rating : 3 Read More
A self-made owner of a soft-drink factory decides to give the entire plant to his naive nephew as a present. Now, as two women vie for his attention, he is entangled in the theft of an ancient statuette. Who is friend, and who is foe?
Movie Star Rating : 0 Read More
The royal couple Odette and Derek face yet another evil magician, this time a woman named Zelda. Lusting for the treasure of the Forbidden Arts, which will give her absolute power, Zelda kidnaps Odette as ransom. Derek and several animal friends head off to rescue Odette
Movie Star Rating : 6 Read More
The gang must venture into a crazy imaginary world to rescue Frankie when she disappears inside a mysterious box.
Movie Star Rating : 7.1 Read More
In 1978, a Kiss concert was an epoch-making event. For the three teen fans in Detroit Rock City getting tickets to the sold-out show becomes the focal point of their existence. They'll do anything for tickets - compete in a strip club's amateur-night contest, take on religious protesters, even rob a convenience store!
Movie Star Rating : 6.7 Read More
Accio and Manrico are siblings from a working-class family in 1960s Italy: older Manrico is handsome, charismatic, and loved by all, while younger Accio is sulky, hot-headed, and treats life as a battleground — much to his parents' chagrin. After the former is drawn into left-wing politics, Accio joins the fascists out of spite, but his flimsy beliefs are put to test when he falls for Manrico's like-minded girlfriend.
Movie Star Rating : 6.8 Read More
Bob Parr has given up his superhero days to log in time as an insurance adjuster and raise his three children with his formerly heroic wife in suburbia. But when he receives a mysterious assignment, it's time to get back into costume.
Movie Star Rating : 7.7 Read More
Into the world of the Emperor Penguins, who find their soul mates through song, a penguin is born who cannot sing. But he can tap dance something fierce!
Movie Star Rating : 6.2 Read More
This is the extraordinary tale of two brothers named Moses and Rameses, one born of royal blood, and one an orphan with a secret past. Growing up the best of friends, they share a strong bond of free-spirited youth and good-natured rivalry. But the truth will ultimately set them at odds, as one becomes the ruler of the most powerful empire on earth, and the other the chosen leader of his people! Their final confrontation will forever change their lives and the world.
Movie Star Rating : 7.3 Read More
Joan Wilder is thrust back into a world of murder, chases, foreign intrigue... and love. This time out she's duped by a duplicitous Arab dignitary who brings her to the Middle East, ostensibly to write a book about his life. Of course, he's up to no good, and Joan is just another pawn in his wicked game. But Jack Colton and his sidekick Ralph show up to help our intrepid heroine save the day.
Movie Star Rating : 6.2 Read More
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