Minions: A Funny but Unremarkable Prequel
“Minions” is an animated film that brings the origin story of the beloved yellow creatures from the “Despicable Me” to the screen. While the humor still lands, the film struggles to offer anything beyond superficial entertainment. It delves into the Minions’ existence long before Gru, tracing their evolutionary draw towards serving powerful villains throughout history.
From prehistoric times to a disastrous escapade alongside Napoleon in Russia, the Minions’ attempts at serving evil masters always end in comical failure, leading them to seek refuge in a remote, icy cave. However, without a villain to serve, they fall into despair. Driven by this innate need, Kevin, Stuart, and Bob embark on a journey to find a new “boss,” leading them to New York City in 1968, where they discover Scarlet Overkill, the world’s first female supervillain.
The Making of Minions
An interesting fact is that the director, Pierre Coffin, voices all 899 Minions in the film. The Minions came about because the animators needed a cheap and easy way to create Gru’s army of helpers. They didn’t have the budget to animate an entire army of people. So, thus, the cheerful pill-shaped characters were born. These little creatures were so popular that a standalone film focusing on them was soon put into development.
A Disappointing Sequel?
While the Minions themselves remain a source of amusement with their gibberish language, slapstick antics, and knack for escaping unscathed from trouble, the film overall fails to reach the heights of “Despicable Me” or even its sequel.
The Minions’ language, a mix of various tongues from Egyptian to English, adds to their charm, with many words humorously derived from the menus of exotic restaurants.
The Problem with the Plot
One of the core issues lies in the lack of an empathic figure. While Gru was relatable, the Minions’ sole purpose is to serve a villain. This makes it difficult for the audience to emotionally invest in their quest to become henchmen for an evil being.
Scarlet Overkill’s Shortcomings
Scarlet Overkill’s ambition to steal the British crown to gain love and respect falls flat because she already possesses both among her villainous peers. With a supportive husband and a position of influence, her motivations feel unconvincing, and she lacks the vulnerability that made Gru so appealing.
Furthermore, the film’s portrayal of different cultures comes across as uneven. While New York City and London are depicted with familiar elements from the 1960s, the depiction of the USSR feels like an outdated stereotype.
While it may seem unfair to criticize a children’s comedy for lacking depth, recent animated films have shown how humor, heart, and serious themes can be successfully combined. “Minions,” however, focuses predominantly on humor, often of a primitive nature. The predictable plot, unmemorable characters, and lack of originality in the supervillain world leave much to be desired. The Minions’ ultimate transformation into independent heroes feels forced, undermining their destined path of serving Gru.