There’s mostly good news here. The first sixty minutes of Minions is superlative and spectacular. The last thirty are responsibly average.
Spinning these characters off from the Despicable Me series is going to be one of the smartest franchise moves of the decade, and all kids under the age of twelve will adore this film with all their heart.
Most adults will get a big kick out of it too.
Unfortunately, in the midst of all this brilliance there is a single, major flaw: the villain. Everything about Scarlet Overkill is mediocre, from the character design to the uninspired vocal performance of Sandra Bullock. It’s a shame.
I kept thinking of Disney’s Emperor’s New Groove (an underrated film) and what an inestimable contribution Eartha Kitt brought with her voice and essence. There are inumerable actresses who could have done the same thing. This character could have used qualities like that. But even so, she’s/it’s not an interesting or engaging character concept and prevents the movie from true home-run status.
It is still awfully good.
I had heard earlier reviews convey that the Minions themselves worked better as sidekicks rather than leading players, but I disagree.
In fact, the movie soars highest when it’s just about the three leading yellow capsules and how they interact, and a true testament to the magic of animation that we can care so much about these creatures who speak their own language and love bananas.
However the final act dissolves into a loud, slapstick, cartoon chase for children. Fair enough, I guess, but a lost opportunity for classic status, especially compared to the ambitious and non-pandering Inside Out in a theater next door.
Still, the PACKED house I ingested this with was united in its enthusiasm.
Go…and pop for the 3D this time.
(Loudinni specializes in reviews you can read in under a minute that don’t reveal too much plot.)
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