Minions The Rise of Gru

3D Movie Review

Written By: Adolph Vega

3D

Minions Rise of Gru looks very nice in 3D. I do think that it could have been a stronger presentation as some scenes appear flat and lack depth. Fans of 3D will be happy with this presentation as we get some nice pop outs and a decent amount of depth in some scenes. Occasionally the movie will have a sequence where it goes into slow motion and those quick scenes really look wonderful in 3D. Sometimes the movie will use a 2D animation style and those scenes also benefit from being in 3D. I like how the movie uses layering to make the 2D scenes look more visually interesting. The final battle scene with the magical creatures fighting the minions is especially strong in 3D. Another scene with some henchmen fighting Master Chow in the alley was very enjoyable in 3D. The 3D comes and goes, and it seems to be almost turned off in many scenes. It just feels like they held back and only used 3D in some scenes where the entire movie could have looked fabulous in 3D. Overall Minions Rise of Gru has many memorable moments of superb 3D, so I do recommend it. If I were to use a number scale the 3D is maybe a 7/10 when I think it could have easily been a 10/10.

Final Verdict: Good 3D

Art by Ppeppermind

Movie

Minions Rise of Gru is the second ‘minions’ movie and the fifth movie in the ‘Despicable’ franchise. The minions are back in another wacky movie adventure. To be blunt this isn’t a great movie, but it is more fun than I thought it would be.

Minions Rise of Gru continues the story that began in the original Minions movie. Don’t worry this movie is self-contained and is strait forward, so you can watch it even if you haven’t seen of the previous movies in the “Despicable” movie franchise. The story of Minions Rise of Gru is all over the place. Minions Rise of Gru is set in the 1970s and Gru is about 11 years old. Though a series of wacky shenanigans Gru is kidnapped, and the minions need to rescue their boss. The movie juggles several subplots to make its story. You have one subplot with three minions learning martial arts from Master Chow and trying to rescue Gru. You have another subplot with Gru and his kidnapper bonding. You have another subplot with one minion who is trying to obtain a magical talisman. Finally, you have the Vicious 6 supervillain gang who want to get revenge on Gru. All these subplots combine to become a 90-minute film. The movie is very fast paced, and it rarely gives the audience a moment to breath before the next gag. Many elements of the story fall too perfectly into place. The movie has no real stakes or consequences. I know this is an animated movie for children so I should cut it some slack, but this movie can become tedious to watch. Some of the subplots could have been consolidated or deleted all together with little being lost from the whole package. This movie feels like a series of skits that are loosely connected to make a narrative. Simply put this movie has too much going on, and it doesn’t know how to handle it all.

Minions Rise of Gru is not going to be for everyone, yet I did enjoy my time with this movie. I found the elements with Gru and the Vicious 6 villain gang to be the most amusing aspects of this movie. I really loved Steve Carell’s portrayal of a young gru. I want to know more about the Vicious 6 and all its members. The comedy is basic, but I did find myself laughing at many points. The animation is well done and has a nice style to it. Placing this movie in the 1970’s is a gimmick, but it worked to make it a more fun and interesting setting. Master Chow is wonderful character, and she deserves her own TV Show / movie. I really like the dynamic between the character of Wild Knuckles and Gru. The soundtrack is incredible, and it fits the movie perfectly. The minions are less annoying in this movie than they have been in previous films. Maybe it was my low expectations, but I found more enjoyment from this movie than I expected to. I fully assumed that I would hate this movie, but Minions Rise of Gru is a passable way to spend 90 minutes of your day. FYI this movie as a nice mid credits scene that is worth checking out.

Minions Rise of Gru is a fine movie, and despite its many flaws I did like it. I will likely forget this movie in a week but somehow some way this movie works, and it has some merit as family friendly entertainment.