Another fun chapter in the world of evil villains and their sidekicks, the Minions, but this time we go back to when it all started for a young up and coming evil genius. As we know when the Minions found their new home they were taken in by a young boy who became the one and only despicable me. Now these characters are building their way to stardom one chapter at a time.
It all takes place when Gru (Steve Carell-voice) was 11 years old and wanted to be part of the Vicious Six which included; Wild Knuckles (Alan Arkin-voice), Belle Bottom (Taraji P. Henson-voice), Svengeance (Dolph Lundgren-voice), Stronghold (Danny Trejo-voice), Nunchuck (Lucy Lawless-voice), and Jean-Clawed (Jean-Claude Van Damme-voice). His hero Wild Knuckles leaves the group unexpectedly making room for someone else to take his place. Gru applies to the team and gets his shot only to find out he is not good enough to be one of them.
He begins looking for a way to prove he belongs and seeks help from a new friend, a young Nefario (Russell Brand-voice), while the Minions (Pierre Coffin-voice) seek training for another unusual character Master Chow (Michelle Yeoh-voice). Together they attempt to put together a scheme that will somehow give them a chance to be one of the greats, but along the way his hero Wild Knuckles becomes the key he needs to reach that stardom.
Director Kyle Balda, and Co-Directors, Brad Ableson, and Jonathon Del Val composed a cute story that finds a way to entertain us. It has its own way of keeping you interested and guides you through an adventure that pulls together the origin of Gru. This amusing story tells us how Gru rose to his evil plateau along with the help of his trusty friends, the Minions and his biggest hero. This excellent tale kept me fascinated and definitely filled the gaps left out from the first installment.
This narrative will absolutely keep the younger kids engrossed, along with the older ones including those adults that are young at heart. It is a fun affair that is worth getting out of the house to see and a good time for all.
Final Comment: I based my grade on the cool storyline and outstanding historical understanding of these characters.
Stars 3.5 out of 5
Additional Film Information
Cast: Steve Carell, Pierre Coffin, Alan Arkin, Julie Andrews, Russell Brand, Danny Trejo, Dolph Lundgren, Michelle Yeoh, Lucy Lawless, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and Taraji P. Henson.
Directed by: Kyle Balda, Brad Ableson, and Jonathon Del Val
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Family, and Sci-Fi.
MPAA Rating: Rated PG for some action/violence and rude humor
Running Time: 1 hour and 27 minutes
Release Date: July 1st, 2022
Distributed By: Universal Pictures
Release In: Standard, and Dolby Digital.