Minions: The Rise of Gru

Minions: The Rise of Gru, often referred to as Minions 2, is a 2022 animated comedy film from the United States. Produced by Universal Pictures and Illumination, this movie is a sequel to Minions (2015) and serves as a prequel to the Despicable Me series. The film follows the story of an eleven-year-old Gru who aspires to become a supervillain. Directed by Kyle Balda, it features voice performances from a well-known cast, including Steve Carell as Gru and Pierre Coffin as the Minions.

The film had its world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on 13 June 2022, and it was released in theaters across the United States on 1 July 2022. Following its release, the film received generally favorable reviews and achieved notable box office success, grossing over $940 million worldwide. It has been described as one of the highest-grossing films of 2022.

In Minions: The Rise of Gru, young Gru teams up with his Minions to take on the Vicious 6, a villainous group led by Belle Bottom. The story is filled with humorous antics, vibrant animation, and a nostalgic setting that captures the essence of the 1970s. Despite some criticism regarding its plot, the animation and voice performances were particularly praised.

Plot Summary:

Set in 1976, the film follows an eleven-year-old Gru who dreams of becoming a supervillain. Excited by an invitation to audition for the Vicious 6, he faces rejection but manages to steal the Zodiac Stone from them. This act sets off a series of comedic and adventurous events as Gru, with the help of his Minions, must evade capture and save the day. The plot unfolds with various twists, including kidnappings and Kung Fu training, leading to an epic showdown where the characters discover their inner strength.

Voice Cast:

• Steve Carell as Gru
• Pierre Coffin as the Minions
• Taraji P. Henson as Belle Bottom
• Michelle Yeoh as Master Chow
• Alan Arkin as Wild Knuckles
• Julie Andrews as Marlena Gru

Reception:

The film was well-received, achieving a score of 70% on Rotten Tomatoes and averaging a score of 56 on Metacritic. Audiences rated it an "A" on CinemaScore, indicating strong approval from viewers. Critics noted the film's humor and animation quality, although some felt the story lacked depth.

In addition to its success in theaters, Minions: The Rise of Gru sparked a viral trend on TikTok, known as #Gentleminions, where fans dressed up in suits to watch the movie. This phenomenon contributed to its popularity and engagement, especially among younger audiences.

A sequel is already in the works, slated for release on 1 July 2026, as the franchise continues to expand its universe of characters and delightful stories.