Surely a candidate for numerous Oscars, “Minions” (3D) is one of the best movies of 2015. From Illumination Entertainment, the ‘prequel’ of 2010’s “Despicable Me,” follows the Minions from the first moment of their existence, then crawling out of the primordial ooze, to fulfill their destiny of serving the world’s most evil people, and the launch on a tour through the centuries to do that.The predecessor films, “Despicable Me 1, and 2.” grossed a half billion and one billion worldwide. Minions is sure to topple that, with an opening weekend (US) of $115 million. “Despicable 2” became the most profitable film in the 100 year history of Universal Studios.
The film opens with the Universal logo, of course, and the Minions “singing” the Universal theme, much like “Ralph” did the Fox theme at the beginning of the Simpsons Movie. The Minions work for some pretty nasty evil doers, both four legged and two legged, including Napoleon. Ultimately finding themselves with no one to serve, three of the boys (?) set out to find a new master, and end up in New York City in 1968; the first visual is a billboard of Nixon’s candidacy for President, and one might naturally think they are going to work for him. But no.
After seeing an ad on tv for a gathering of the world’s most evil persons (Villain-Con) to be held in Orlando, they set out for the convention knowing that they will meet a new master there, and they do, in Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock, in a career defining role).
They follow their new employer to England, and there the fun (and action ) really begins. In addition to the top notch acting chops of the cast, including Bullock, Jon Hamm (Mad Men), Michael Keaton (Batman) and Allison Janey (West Wing), you’ll be very surprised at the location shots the director, DP, and location scout managed to arrange, including inside Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. Amazing shots.
The final segment borrows heavily from the final scene of the first Star Wars, which in turn borrowed from some classic movie scene I have since forgotten.
Marvelous. 3 thumbs up. Yes, I know this wasn’t about food, but it kinda is. I love my local movie chain. $5 for first run movies, and unlimited refills of soda and popcorn. Quite different than an $80 movie night in LA or other places!
(Some scenes of violence, cartoonish, not graphic, may upset the wee ones).
Minions Review
Wow. I want to live where you do! Last time I went to see a movie (the latest Jurassic Park), it was $16 for a daytime 2D ticket, and a small popcorn (no refills) was $8.50. I nearly fell over. It was the first time I’ve gone to the theater in 10 years, and the last time in at least that many. The value is just no way worth that price.
Wow. I want to live where you do! Last time I went to see a movie (the latest Jurassic Park), it was $16 for a daytime 2D ticket, and a small popcorn (no refills) was $8.50. I nearly fell over. It was the first time I’ve gone to the theater in 10 years, and the last time in at least that many. The value is just no way worth that price.