The long awaited prequel to “Despicable Me” had its strong points, but sometimes missed the mark.
I knew from the start there was always going to be problems with a film starring characters that can’t speak English. For the first 20 minutes the only understandable voice we heard was narrator Geoffrey Rush’s, his narration didn’t enhance the beginning (or any other part) of the film.
Once the three starring Minions arrived in America the film’s pace picked up and became much more enjoyable. Sandra Bullock leant her voice to Scarlet Overkill the film’s villain and she was surprisingly comedic. Jennifer Saunders stands out as having the funniest role – she played Queen Elizabeth II and was quite outstanding in the role. Pierre Coffin who voices all the Minions has a remarkable talent, which would be put to better use with characters who can speak.
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There were many jokes in the UK set part of the film that made the adults and older teens laugh that flew straight over the heads of the younger children. References to Abby Road, “Bewitched,” Richard Nixon and “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” all had the older audience laughing, but the younger audience appreciated the more visual and for lack of a better word “immature” jokes.
Overall it does have enjoyable elements for both children and adults, both will take away different things from the film. It certainly isn’t as good as “Despicable Me,” but fills the gap while “Despicable Me 3” is made.
2.5 Stars
Review by Benjamin Maio Mackay
Screening courtesy of Universal Entertainment
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