Review #7 | "Minions" (2015)

Minions are short in size yet high in expectations. Maybe that's why they can't live up to their job description. Following the two successful "Despicable Me" feature films, the Minions finally got their own self titled film. Expectations were high, and the kids definitely left satisfied. No doubt all summer children will flock to theatres to revel in these banana-pill creatures. They will laugh and giggle in unison with their adults' sighs of discontent as well as their (hopefully soft) snores.

A flat plot line was only saved by the vocal talents of Sandra Bullock and John Hamm who play two entertaining new characters, Herb and Scarlet Overkill. Recognition should go out to Pierre Coffin for voicing the adorable creatures, and for directing a movie with clever nods to the "original clowns" including Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. This film, which relies on so much Grammalo, incorporated classic Chaplin and Keaton slapstick and body movement to exude emotional narratives. However, the slug pace of the plot killed the comedy within half an hour of screen time.

Fans of Sandy B would enjoy seeing her at something new and slapstick fans may get a kick out of some gags, but enthusiasts may be wishing they had waited for the online rental. A great film for the younger kids, just hope they don't want to see it more than once.

_____________

"Minions" is rated PG and runs 91 minutes. Starring Sandra Bullock and John Hamm. Directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda. Written by Brian Lynch. Produced by Janet Healy, Brett Hoffman, Christopher Meledandri, Chris Renaud, and David Rosenbaum.