It’s only recently that I became acquainted with the first film in this story, three years after its original release and I found it to be a charming, fun kids film but without the major laughs of similar films. And it’s pretty much the same for the sequel which sees reformed villain Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) being employed by the Anti-Villain League to find a villain that has stolen a secret formula. Naturally his minions and three adopted daughters come along for the ride, as does Agent Lucy Wilde (voiced by Kristen Wiig) who acts as a clumsy, but well-meaning, love interest.
Considering the Minions have been the most iconic parts of the films and its related merchandise, they don’t seem to have any more screen time in this film than the first and their presences range from the mildly amusing to the feeble, with the film revelling mostly in toilet humour and cringeworthy set-ups. In contrast to, say, the recent ‘Monsters University’ which manages to neatly balance appeal for adults and children – though perhaps not very young children – this is a film purely aimed at the kids and parents will struggle to last the relatively pacey running time.
That’s not to say it’s without its moments. A series of scenes with Gru after discovering Lucy has left the country counterbalances an earlier scene and pastiche of romance films perfectly, and a rogue chicken from the restaurant that forms the centre piece of Gru’s initial search for the villain, provides most of the laughs, alongside a few moments of the Minions. Elsewhere a few smiles are raised but I wouldn’t say it was up to the quality of some of the recent, quality CGI animations. However, there were lots of adults laughing at key points during the film, so perhaps it’s an acquired taste.
Graphically the film stands up and the personalities and unique character modelling make the film. Pharrell Williams’ score is much more minimal this time around and the supporting cast, such as Russell Brand’s Dr. Nefario, get criminally little screen time.
If you loved the first film or are a big fan of the minions then you’ll enjoy this. Very similar in vein to the first film, it’s a nice, family-orientated outing but with its humour that very rarely lifts above fart gags, rude names and sound effects, adults won’t have as good a time as they would do at ‘Monsters University’, ‘How To Train A Dragon’ or such like. There’s plenty of slapstick too, which mostly works.
The plot is never going to be exceptional, but the stereotypes are all in full flow here with very familiar plotting around love and family, and it feels at time like a series of unconnected sketches. As the film reaches its climax and ends with a dance number that has been so often parodied it’s no longer funny. It feels like the film has run out of steam and is having to draw on Rayman’s Ravin’ Rabbids for inspiration. I felt more awkward at the bad dialogue more times than I laughed.
Kristen Wiig, however, steals the show, with her voice acting and I hope to see more from her in the, inevitable, sequel and spin-off.
Not a totally bad film, just a little bit bland and lacking the material to really call it a true film for everyone, but if you’re a big fan of the first film then you’ll love it.
(4/10)
