The COVID-19 pandemic caused some major animated titles, like Trolls World Tour and Turning Red, to be premiered on streaming platforms. However, studios have recently started bringing these kids’ favourites back to theatres, the latest one being Lightyear. Featuring the silly yellow creatures that audiences love to watch on screen, Minions: The Rise of Gru will finally be released on the first weekend of July. Read on to find out if a delightful watch awaits you in theatres.
Minions: The Rise of Gru’s initial release date was set for the summer of 2020; however, it has seen quite a few delays over time. Releasing on July 1, the movie serves as a prequel to the Despicable Me franchise in many ways. The trailer teases that the Illumination and Universal animated feature will give viewers a glimpse into Gru’s childhood in the 1970s, when he first encountered the Minions. Here’s what the critics have to say about the much-awaited prequel.
Critics Call It A Delightfully Silly Sequel
So far, the reviews for the film have been conflicted, but mostly the makers have been praised for sticking to their trusty formula by giving the human characters less screentime and letting the minions take charge. It is accurately put into words by Todd Gilchrist from AV Club, who writes, “Director Kyle Balda (of Despicable Me 3 fame) redeems the best part of the franchise he helped create by wisely giving Gru — and any slightly more serious storytelling — a back seat to the most fun you’ll see this side of Wile E. Coyote’s Acme catalog.” Daily Telegraph (UK) called it “an unexpected treat, and by far the series punchiest and most polished entry yet.”
The Minions Do Not Disappoint In This Long-Awaited Movie
Variety’s Peter Debruge considered the film’s humor amusing, although he found it a bit predictable. He writes, “Audiences know what to expect, and Illumination delivers, offering another feel-good dose of bad behavior.” In their mixed review, Empire Magazine dubs the movie “straightforward fun” while being aware of its shortcomings as it’s “unlikely to win over anybody unmoved by the previous movies and likely to deliver exactly what you’re expecting if you’ve enjoyed everything so far.”
Minions: The Rise Of Gru Follows A Predictable Formula
Some top reviewers have also negatively critiqued the animated comedy film. The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw rated the movie 2/5 and called Gru’s origin story “feeble” and his character “mildly funny.” He also hopes the franchise, which is “now running on the thinnest of fumes”, is “laid to rest” after its fifth installment. On the contrary, another Despicable Me film is already scheduled for 2024.
Sydney Morning Herald lauds the soundtrack as it resounds with hits from the decade in which it is set, but warns viewers that “the action is so loud and so relentless that the Minions’ quieter charms are left in the shade.” Wendy Ide from Screen International says the movie has both: “some inventively absurd moments of physical comedy” as well as “scenes which feel tired and derivative”. However, her verdict is that the minions “might not sustain another film.”
Whatever be the reviews, the movie might be the perfect, hilarious weekend watch for you and your family. If you liked the other Despicable Me and Minions films, it sounds like this prequel is worth your time.
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