Satisfying sequel

Rating: 8/10 (6 July 2013)

Here is Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud's second offering of the Steve Carell-voiced bogeyman, Mr Gru, and his anarchic, sweetcorn-shaped servants, the Minions.
Once again, the co-directors have put together a humorous and well-crafted 100 minutes of CGI entertainment that went down well with those children of all ages who watched it. Gru has moved away from the Dark Side and is now a responsible step-father of the three orphans he took under his wing in the first movie. He has also abandoned crime and villainy in favour of a failing attempt to make jams and jellies.
Unfortunately he cannot escape his past, and he finds himself embroiled in a fairly simple plot to recover a stolen item. I shouldn't give away too many spoilers but really there isn't a great deal to give away - U-rated films are never strong on plot and script! Lol.
What does stand out is Gru's determination to stay on the straight and narrow, and even more than that are the antics of the Minions, who have amazing chemistry and effortlessly lift up the movie.
If I have any criticisms it is that the film could have made more of its opportunities for the Minions to create mayhem, too much screen time was in the Mall and Dr Nefario was underused. Minor criticisms though.
If you have kids they will love this, and you will love it as well anyway! A very agreeable 100 minutes of entertainment.
8/10