Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022)

Minions: The Rise of Gru is pure, fizzy Saturday-matinee fun, powered by a candy-colored 1970s vibe and a pace that barely gives you time to catch your breath before the next gag or chase kicks in. It’s a movie that understands its mission: keep the comedy big, the action cartoonishly inventive, and the world so bright and busy you can almost hear the lava lamps humming in the background. Steve Carell brings a sweet, eager edge to young Gru, while the Minions do what they do best—turning every plan into gleeful chaos with impeccable comic timing and just enough heart to make the mayhem feel friendly. If you’re allergic to Minion-style silliness or PG rude humor, it won’t convert you, but if you want a light, energetic family adventure that’s easy to enjoy and hard to resist, this one delivers.

Minions: The Rise of Gru is clearly aiming to be a loud, candy-colored origin story with nonstop slapstick, retro vibes, and a simple “kid dreams big” villain arc. The problem is the story feels like a flimsy clothesline for random set pieces, needle-drops, and side quests, so if you want a tight plot or meaningful character growth, you’ll likely find it scattered and a bit exhausting. That said, the animation is polished, the Minions’ physical comedy still lands in bursts, and younger kids (or anyone who just wants noise, chaos, and cute mayhem) will probably have a good time. If Minion-speak, rude-ish jokes, and constant gags already wear you out, this one won’t convert you—it doubles down.