MOVIE REVIEW: Minions: The Rise of Gru

Minions: The Rise of Gru is another entry in the Despicable Me films that has now become a cash cow for Universal Pictures. Like the Ice Age series from 20th Century Fox, you can't distinguish one film from another anymore. Fortunately, there are saving graces from this new entry.

First, it's a big improvement from the first Minions film. Steve Carell's Gru was left out in the first movie and it felt not right at all. The Minions and Gru have excellent chemistry and the lovable characters simply can't stand alone on their own. 

Second, the setting. The Rise of Gru brings us back in the 70s when Gru was embracing his bad side. He's a big fan of the Vicious 6, a group of villains. He hatches a plan to join them and this is where the fun part begins.

Third, the voice actors. Aside from Carell, Taraji P. Henson is a welcome treat in the film. She's perfection as the villainess Bell Bottom. It was awesome of Illumination Production to hire 80's icons Lucy Lawless, Jean Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren to voice Bell Bottom's henchmen. Too bad, they were  underutilized in the film. 

Fourth, the music.

Overall, despite it's shortcomings, Minions: The Rise of Gru is an entertaining film with some funny moments.