The minions are back and starring in their own highly-anticipated feature film. But, despite the obvious cute-factor, does Pixar's latest animated comedy stack up to its beloved predecessor, Despicable Me?
Minions, featuring Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton and many others, is exactly what you'd expect - 91 minutes of mumbles and quirky pill-shaped minions in overalls that, despite lacking an actual storyline, ensures bouts of laughter and overall entertainment.
Minions have unintentionally become a marketing gold mine - you name it, there's probably a minion on it. Even those who weren't fans of Despicable Me (2010) or Despicable Me 2 (2013) can't deny the appeal of the little yellow creatures who help the world's most evil villains carry out their evil (and often absurd) schemes - stealing the moon, anyone?
Children and adults alike have been expecting a minion movie ever since Gru (Steve Carell), his adopted daughters and spastic henchmen stole the hearts of audiences everywhere.
The minions' story begins all the way back in the dinosaur age, decades before they ultimately met their favorite boss, Gru. The movie chronicles the minions' lifelong search for the most evil villain of all time to serve. None of their bosses seem to last very long, however, with the goofy ensemble often making spectacular mistakes and incidentally killing their superiors.
After decades of searching and serving masters the likes of a T-Rex, The Abominable Snowman and Napoleon (yes, the minions served Napoleon) they ultimately find themselves in a frozen tundra, depressed and alone. Their plight seems hopeless until three brave souls, Kevin, Bob, and Stuart, decide to set out to find the next great villain to surrender themselves to.
Their quest from Antartica to 1960's New York finds them face to face with the most powerful, female villain of all time - Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock). But, they most prove their dedication to their new master by venturing to London and stealing the Queen of England's crown before she'll truly embrace them.
You can imagine the circumstances that unfold.
The best part of the film (for adults that is) is the 60's rock music that accompanies the minions' adventures. Everything from The Who's to The Kinks to The Rolling Stones to The Beatles. When "Mellow Yellow" started playing, I couldn't help but laugh.
Minions is ultimately a feel-good comedy children will fall in love with. As for us adults, I'll admit, you can't help but love the minions, despite not being able to comprehend 95% of what comes out of their little, babbling mouths.
Personally, I missed watching the minions interact with Gru and the girls. I found myself longing for his pasty-white legs and inappropriate-for-children antics.
Until next time, minions.