DIRECTOR: Pierre Coffin, Kyle Balda LEAD CAST: Sandra Bullock, Pierre Coffin, Jon Hamm,
Michael Keaton SCREENWRITER: Brian Lynch PRODUCER: Chris
Meledandri, Janet Healy EDITOR: Claire Dodgson MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Heitor Pereira GENRE:
3D computer-animated comedy
ART DIRECTOR: Olivier
Adam DISTRIBUTOR: Universal Pictures LOCATION: United States RUNNING TIME: 90 minutes
Technical assessment: 4
Moral Assessment: 3.5
CINEMA Rating: For viewers 13 years old and below with parental guidance
MTRCB Rating: PG 13
Out of boredom, Minions
Kevin, Bob, and Stuart aim to do something worthy and remarkable under a despicable master. When they see from a
hacked TV broadcast about a major event gathering of villains called by the
super villain Scarlet (voiced by Sandra Bullock), they immediately go out,
hoping to hitch a ride to the venue of the event in Orlando, Florida, to
actually meet a potentially new boss. After some failed attempts to get a ride, they are
finally taken in by a family who, like them, are also heading on to the
villains’ event in Orlando. Along the way, this family amazingly orchestrate
robbery to the surprise of the Minions. At the villain convention, the Minions,
particularly Kevin, steals the scene by accidentally winning the challenge by
Scarlet and becomes her partner in her next crime mission—to steal the crown of
Queen of England. In time, something happens that irks Scarlet, making her aim
to stage revenge on the Minions.
Minions
offers an unusual story of protagonists who join the crowd of “praising” a woman super villain in her
“greatness” and “remarkable” leadership in the field of crime. But the plot
development manages to keep the focus and audience sympathy on the innocence
and cuteness of the Minions as main characters especially when they talk in their
own language. Subtitles are not provided in the film but characterizations are
still well carried out. Dubbing by voice cast is impressive, especially that of
Bullock (for Scarlet). The voicing
blends well with the digital creation of motion picture and sounds. Humor in form of jokes is constantly injected
in the film which brings more fun and entertainment. The director did well in the overall treatment for Minions as digital film creation. The
musical score complements the film to consistently highlight the requirement of
the scenes such as the music of the 60s.
The editing is good and has contributed to the entertaining quality of
the movie.
Whose
person with good moral ascendency will join a known and proud supervillain?
This happens in Minions. In reality,
even the most evil person will not openly admit or be proud of his villain
status. Even the most obvious criminals deny their wrong doings in court. This is because bad actions are not something that anyone can be proud of. The
“end justifies the means”, appears to be the message of Minions,
but the entire run of the film highlighted in scenes, characterization and
dialogues all praises to the villains. Although it tackles positive messages
like loyalty and friendship, and towards conclusion, there is an effort to
correct the wrong, these messages are overpowered by negativity and malicious
humors. A person’s search for
despicable master can be a noble personal mission and may be a good opportunity
to practice humility and spirit of service. And there are surely good and upright masters around. The film is fun and entertaining but
parental guidance must be given to viewers 13 years old and below.
