Minions: The Rise of Gru

Minions: The Rise of Gru might not be sophisticated storytelling, but not all animated films have to be. Sometimes they can just be about joy.

The animated comedy is an 88-minute delight, further enlivened by the talented voice cast...

“The Rise of Gru” isn’t a complete waste&#59; there’s the occasional inspired sight gag, particularly the prop work in the martial arts training sequence, and Arkin seems to have a good time (it’s surprising he hasn’t done more voice work).

The inclusion of a disco torture machine that plays Andrea True’s More More More on a loop is not dissimilar to experiencing the incessant soundtrack, which is often deployed as a lazy means of running down the clock.

The Rise of Gru’s story is instantly forgettable, but the film looks great, moves briskly, and boasts the vocal stylings of a cast that sounds like they’re having the time of their life.

This is funny -- the kids next to me were having an outrageously good time -- but it's very violent. It's rated PG [instead of G], and that is a very good idea.

Apart from the notion of individuality and discrediting age as a barrier to success, Minions: The Rise of Gru rides entirely on the fumes of its inept yellow punchlines

It is definitely not the destination but the giggle-filled journey that creates the laughs.

A course correction for the Franchise. Winning me back over with the heart, hilariousness, & insanity that I felt was missing since the 1st Despicable Me… with a short run time there’s a lot of fun to be had! Voice Cast is STELLAR!

It’s broad, loud and frantic, barely stopping for a minute to craft a story. At 107 minutes, the energy sputters out, particularly in a rushed third act. Yet, the movie gives exactly what it promises, a fun ride full of antics galore.