Minions

The summer has been a roller coaster ride when it comes to, what I like to call, summer fare films. I'm not sure why, considering it IS summer, but perhaps Hollywood is just trying to play all fields and attempting to please everyone. We've seen big-budget fare--"Jurassic World" and "Terminator Genisys", also small independent films--"Me, Earl and the Dying Girl", comedies--"Spy" and "Ted 2", even inspirational films--"Faith of Our Fathers", so it should not be of any surprise that we now have "Minions" in our midst.

The story of the Minions (voiced by Pierre Coffin) begins at the dawn of time. Starting as single-celled yellow organisms, Minions evolve through the ages, perpetually serving the most despicable of masters--from a T. Rex to Napoleon--the Minions find themselves without someone to serve and fall into a deep depression. But one Minion named Kevin has a plan, and he--alongside teen-age rebel Stuart and lovable little Bob--ventures out into the world to find a new evil boss for his brethren to follow. The trio embarks upon a thrilling journey that, through the Nelson family, Walter (Michael Keaton), Madge (Allison Janney), Tina (Katy Mixon) and Walter Jr. (Michael Beattie), ultimately leads them to their next potential master, Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock) and her husband, Herb (Jon Hamm). This is 1968, so Scarlet is the world's first supervillianess ever. They travel from frigid Antarctica to 60's New York City, ending in modern London, where they must face their biggest challenge to date: saving all of Minionkind... from annihilation.

Others to round out the cast are Steve Coogan as Professor Flux, Jennifer Saunders as The Queen, Geoffrey Rush as Narrator, Steve Carell as Young Gru and Dave Rosenbaum as Fabrice.

This was directed with wit and clarity by Pierre Coffin (""Despicable Me" '10, "Despicable Me 2" '13) and Kyle Balda ("The Lorax" (story) '12 as co-dir.) plus many shorts. Coffin certainly is the one here with more of the directing experience, but considering both actually have limited experience as opposed to other directors, this filmed shined. These characters had just the right emotion just at the most strategic places to make this soar. it was written by Brian Lynch ("Big Helium Dog" '99, "Hop" '11, "Puss in Boots" (story) '11). Really, other than a couple of very small places on a lack of continuity in script, this storyline simply soared. And with only one writer to pen this, definitely showcases his ability to handle a project all on his own. With only three films to his writing credits, Lynch WILL assuredly receive more work, and I can't wait to see his next one. What is amazing is that these Minions do not speak--at least not English, and yet their expressions and physicality moved us so much where it was funny, heartfelt and uproarious without a declarable word spoken by them--this is certainly the mark of a honed writer. As for the animation by Illumination Mac Guff ("The Lorax" '12, "Despicable Me 2" '13, "Puppy" '13), what can I say, but that it was seamlessly created and executed with style and finesse.

This is a film that has to seen by one and all--great story, visuals, animation, a nifty 3D format and Bullock as Scarlet was simply a hoot! This film scored on so many levels. But, as in franchise land, who knows, as long as this makes a ton of money, another Minions could come our way, and we won't be the worst for it.

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                     Rated: PG                                 91mins.