Training Wheels (2013)

Training Wheels is a tiny burst of pure, fizzy joy—the kind of animated short that understands comedy is sweetest when it comes with a little heart. It takes a simple childhood moment of frustration and turns it into a gleefully inventive showcase of Minion mayhem, where their slapstick energy is matched by a surprisingly tender devotion to making Agnes smile. The vibe is bright, bouncy, and relentlessly playful, with visual gags and whimsical design that feel like a sugar rush without ever turning mean-spirited. If you’re not already charmed by Minion nonsense, it may not convert you, but for anyone who enjoys quick, funny, family-friendly warmth, it’s an easy, delightful watch.

Training Wheels is trying to deliver a quick, sugary burst of Minion chaos with a simple “cheer up Agnes” mission and a cute unicorn gimmick. The problem is it can feel like a string of noisy gags stitched together rather than a satisfying mini-story, and if you’re already sensitive to Minion babble and slapstick, this one may grate fast. Some viewers also find it less polished and less emotionally punchy than the better shorts, so don’t expect a big heart-tug or standout animation showcase. If you’re after a harmless, kid-friendly time-killer with a couple of charming visual bits, it does the job—but if you want clever comedy or real depth, you’ll likely walk away underwhelmed.