A jolly good time cavorting with whimsical yellow bobbing balls – or just a stoner flick.

Rating: 7/10 (26 June 2015)

So here's the T: it's a spin off film. Should I go down the list of great spin-off films? They've never been too impressive. "Puss in Boots" surprised me, which was also written by Minions writer Brian Lynch, but still not as strong as the original film. A spin-off is an odd way to formulate a story, which is why it rarely lands. Characters are usually built into a great story, whereas a spin off will try build a story around great characters. So how much room is there for story telling and how much for the anticipated stand up routine?
The beginning of the film is rather brilliant, joke after joke after joke. And they managed to pull a Kubrick's 2001 and show the evolution of Minions, only a hundred and fifty times faster. But the story is thin. Perhaps because it's a prequel and we know where this is going. No surprises there. And it turns the story into a history lesson of the origins of the Minions, which cleverly goes with the history lesson of London's swinging 60's.
The story is deeply entrenched in London and the 1960's with countless references towards some pretty memorable moments that, not only flew over the heads of the kids watching but, the teenage couple too. And the attention to detail, to bring not only the streets of London but the visual signifiers that transport you to exactly that moment in time where they come from is nothing short of impressive. It really is a slick film. Filled with great signifiers.
Sandra Bullock for Violet Overkill was fairly underwhelming considering the characters name is Overkill. It's not to say she phoned it in, but maybe the expectations aren't met. Some actors are just more physical, surprising when her comedic timing is on point. But Overkill's husband - Herb the veraciously funny – is a small part and a necessary one, overkilling Scarlet at any opportunity.
The family picking up the little freaks hitchhiking will definitely leave an impression. But there's quite a bit of small bit part supporting characters thrown in only to drive the story forward. They might be poor story development but the jokes that ensue make it worthwhile.
The language of the Minions was given some thought. I know it's a nonsensical language but having more time on screen this time they had a bit more to say. I could here a mash up of French, Mandarin, and Spanish. Being that they travel the world in search of a leader this influence on their language was a great touch.
In the end this film is really geared towards young children based on the cute factor of the minions - and the publicity strategies in place, but that's a different story. What kids will dig is not something I'm too familiar with. I was surprised a child had an attention span that long. But there it is. For the grown ups however, this is historical hysteria at its best and the film will leave you smiling. In spite of the obvious story, the jokes were great enough to warrant looking forward to watching it again.
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