Friday, 10 July 2015

Big Yellow: Review of Minions

Minions

Directors: Kyle Balda and Pierre Coffin

By Alex Watson


Finally Minion mania has the film that it so desires. The result of Minions is one that although typically uneven in places stays on the right side of idiotic to very funny ride. Forget the slightly cliched and unoriginal plot and just engage your inner child and enjoy. These little yellow men have taken the world by storm and here demonstrate their ability to carry a franchise on charm alone. So far the box office bell is constantly ringing and this is one adventure kids will not be able to get enough of.

Set prior to Despicable Me, this tells the story of the evolution of the Minions and their sole life quest to serve a master. After a series of misadventures, three minions Kevin, Stuart and Bob (Pierre Coffin) set on a mission to find a new bad boss. After encountering world renowned villainess Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock) and her husband Herb (Jon Hamm) she sets the three little fellas on a mission to capture the crown of Queen Elizabeth (Jennifer Saunders).

Starting with a cute but hilarious introduction voiced by Geoffrey Rush, we see how the minions came to be. It is impossible not to laugh at these guys accidentally going through multiple evil masters such as T-Rex, Dracula and Napoleon. Minions may offer little in terms of story, but it carries itself well on sheer belly laughs. Watching them travel to Orlando for the infamous 'Villian Con' there are laughs to be had, such as their encounter well typical American but bank robbing Nelson family (Michael Keaton and Allison Janney).

When the gang meets Scarlett, the story doesn't quite feels as fluid as it should. She is a typically stylish and icy cold femme fatale, but she doesn't seem meaty enough to co-balance the film. The plot involving stealing the crown jewels so Scarlett can become Queen of England is one we have seen many times before. Although when Bob accidentally comes to power, it does give things an interesting twist and our heroes lives suddenly hang in Scarlett's grasp. The screenplay by Brian Lynch is one that depends too much on element rather than being more rounded.

The physical comedy on display though cannot be beat. The Minions have captured the world's heart through their excellent prat-falls and indecipherable gibberish language. Here the adorable factor is impossible to dislike, even as we watch them play polo while riding corgi's. From stealing the Despicable Me franchise, these googled mini men have the cinema world in their three fingered hands. There is enough giggles and the right amount of silly humour to ensure there will likely be a sequel in the near future.

Voice wise Sandra Bullock does well as Scarlett Overkill, but doesn't quite give it the needed amount of relish. Her voice has the right amount of vanity mixed with fierce desire to succeed, but the after effect is slightly underwhelming. Jon Hamm covers the needed ground well as her odd yet devilish inventor husband Herb. Going for over the top glory, Hamm firmly nails the landing. Jennifer Saunders also excels as the surprisingly hard Queen Elizabeth.

Minions is probably everything that fans will want it to be and more. It may lack sufficient ground on story, but what does that really matter when it can provide laughs like these so easily? Expect these guys back soon- High Three!  

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