Bring on the Gentleminions: Minions: The Rise of Gru Review
Sadly there were no Gentleminions when I went to see Minions: The Rise of Gru, the sequel to 2015’s Minions (and the fifth movie in the Despicable Me franchise). For those of you who somehow don’t know what Gentleminions are, they are hoards of teenagers showing up to the movies wearing suits and wreaking havoc at theaters. (Or at least caused chaos in some theaters and have been banned, though it has received approval from Universal Pictures, who tweeted: “to everyone showing up to @Minions in suits: we see you and we love you.”) It’s generally a show of love for the series, most of these teens watched the original films as children when the first Despicable Me came out in 2010.
In the latest installment, we follow Gru as he attempts to cement his place as a criminal mastermind by earning a place in the Villainous 6, a team of supervillains founded by Gru’s idol, Wild Knuckles. However, when twelve-year-old Gru shows up for his audition into the group, they do not appreciate him, telling him that a mere child has no place in their group and that he cannot pull off heists of their caliber. Gru takes this as a challenge, leading to a wild adventure for himself and the ever-loyal minions.
This movie falls exactly where you would expect it in to – it is fun, lovable, touching at times, but not particularly unique. In addition to the usual minions Kevin, Stuart, and Bob, we get to spend time with newly-introduced Otto, who is sweet and well-meaning, but also easily distracted and impulsive. Gru is so excited to meet Wild Knuckles in the same way that most kids would love to meet Superman (with posters on his bedroom wall to prove it), but there’s a reason they say “never meet your heroes.”
(SPOILERS AHEAD)
When Gru receives an invitation to audition for the Villainous 6, one of the first things he does is fire the minions. The minions had gone on a long journey (as seen in Minions) to find their boss and are dismayed at the dismissal. As henchmen go, Gru does not think the minions are appropriate for the next level of villainy that the Villainous 6 demands. Luckily, the minions are not as easily dissuaded. When Gru is unceremoniously rejected, he attempts to prove himself by stealing the zodiac stone that is part of their upcoming plot for ultimate power. As one might expect, they were less impressed and more angry about this choice.
Wild Knuckles, who was betrayed by the Villainous 6 when the zodiac stone was first acquired, kidnaps Gru to get the stone back, only to discover that the stone is not in Gru’s possession. It is also not in the minions’ possession either, because Otto traded it for a pet rock. While WK holds Gru captive to force the return of the stone, he reveals that his team’s betrayal has left him lonely and depressed. Why be a villain if it means you have to be old and alone? Much of the heart of the movie comes from Gru’s interactions with Wild Knuckles – he is the grandson WK never had and they go on heists together, bonding over their shared love of crime.
Ultimately Gru realizes that the loyalty of his minions is worth more than “leveling up.”
ABOUT THE MOVIE
Official Synopsis: Long before he becomes the master of evil, Gru (Oscar® nominee Steve Carell) is just a 12-year-old boy in 1970s suburbia, plotting to take over the world from his basement. It’s not going particularly well. When Gru crosses paths with the Minions, including Kevin, Stuart, Bob, and Otto—a new Minion sporting braces and a desperate need to please—this unexpected family joins forces. Together, they build their first lair, design their first weapons, and strive to execute their first missions.
When the infamous supervillain supergroup, the Vicious 6, oust their leader—legendary martial arts fighter Wild Knuckles (Oscar® winner Alan Arkin)— Gru, their most devoted fanboy, interviews to become their newest member. The Vicious 6 is not impressed by the diminutive, wannabe villain, but then Gru outsmarts (and enrages) them, and he suddenly finds himself the mortal enemy of the apex of evil. With Gru on the run, the Minions attempt to master the art of kung fu to help save him, and Gru discovers that even bad guys need a little help from their friends.
Rated: PG
Starring: Steve Carell, Taraji P. Henson, Michelle Yeoh, RZA, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Lucy Lawless, Dolph Lundgren, Danny Trejo, Russell Brand, with Julie Andrews and Alan Arkin
Directed By: Kyle Balda
Screenplay by: Baz Luhrmann, Sam Bromell, Craig Pearce, and Jeremy Doner
Produced By: Chris Meledandri, Janet Healy, and Chris Renaud
In Theaters: July 1, 2022
Runtime: 1 hr 30 min
Watch the trailer:
Photo: Minions: Rise of Gur. Courtesy of Illumination.
