'Rise of Gru’ delivers laughs and fun Minion antics

When the ‘Despicable Me’ franchise started in 2010, everyone was introduced to the humorous and scene-stealing Minions. The lovable Minions came back on the big screen with the two ‘Despicable Me’ sequels and their own 2015 spin-off, simply titled ‘Minions.’ And, there’s a fourth ‘Despicable Me’ currently in development for a potential 2024 release.

Now, after a long wait, those memorable Minions are finally back on the big screen with the hilarious sequel ‘Minions: The Rise of Gru.’

In the 1970s, young Gru tries to join a group of supervillains called the Vicious 6 after they oust their leader — the legendary fighter Wild Knuckles. When the interview turns disastrous, Gru and his Minions go on the run with the group of supervillains hot on their tails.

Luckily, he finds an unlikely source for guidance — Wild Knuckles himself — and soon discovers that even bad guys need a little help from their friends. And later shows the Vicious 6 that he could have what it takes to be a supervillain.

This new follow-up to the 2015 ‘Minions’ spin-off is great family fun and is extremely entertaining. ‘The Rise of Gru’ delivers a good amount of great laughs and is something that anyone in all age groups will simply enjoy.

It is fun seeing the young Gru and the lovable Minions when they were first starting their missions together. Most of their scenes together are hilarious and memorable. The ‘Minions’ sequel will really have you laughing loud throughout most of the movie and it’s simply perfect for a family outing.

There are quite a few new characters (mainly from the Vicious 6) who can be quite amusing and they have their own moments to shine. But the scene-stealers are, quite obviously, the Minions. I mean, it is their movie so, of course, they’ll steal the show.

In between all the laughs are a few moments that can be quite heart-felt. There are also a couple characters from the other ‘Despicable Me’ movies that pop up in this ‘Minions’ sequel. And there is also a mid-credit scene that you don’t want to miss.

Overall, everyone (kids and adults included) will really enjoy this hilarious animated sequel. It’s filled with many laughs, great fun and some interesting supervillain antics. So, make sure to head down to the Dietrich and don’t miss the crazy silliness of the beloved Minions … and the young Gru. Some of the voice talent includes: Steve Carell as Gru; Pierre Coffin as The Minions; Alan Arkin as Wild Knuckles; Taraji P. Henson as Belle Bottom; Michelle Yeoh as Master Chow; Jean-Claude Van Damme as Jean-Clawed; Dolph Lundgren as Svengeance; Danny Trejo as Stronghold; Lucy Lawless as Nun-Chuck; Russell Brand as Nefario and Julie Andrews as Gru’s Mom.

‘The Rise of Gru’ is written by Matthew Fogel (Lego Movie 2: The Second Part) and directed by Kyle Balda (Despicable Me 3), Brad Abelson and Jonathan del Val (co-director of The Secret Life of Pets 2).

‘Minions: The Rise of Gru’ is rated PG for some action/violence and rude humor and has a running time of 87 minutes.

What did you think of the ‘Minions’ sequel? Let me know on my Facebook page Wyoming County Press Examiner reviews by Matt Palmer.