'Minions' Review: Here's a film that won't fail but won't be one of the best animation films this year

Film: Minions

Director: Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda

Cast: Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Geoffrey Rush, Pierre Coffin, Jennifer Saunders

Rating: ***

What's it about: 

The story begins in prehistoric times and by the end of it, kinda sets up the events that lead up to the universe of the Despicable Me films. Of course, you remember the yellow blobs in denims from those films! This one focuses on them in general and Kevin, Bob and Stuart in particular and their efforts in finding the evilest master to serve. 
Destiny sends them Scarlet Overkill (Bullock) who wants them to steal her a crown - the crown of Queen Elizabeth II, to be precise. Which, as it turns out, is a job they do so well, Bob ends up being crowned king. And Scarlet comes claiming what she sees as hers. Will they just hand it over or fight her for it? Does it end well? Well, watch the film for that...

What's hot: 

The fact that despite most of this film's dialogue sounding like gibberish, you're never really clueless about what's going on. It helps to have a narrator guide you through some parts, and for his voice to belong to one talented Mr Rush. Then there's the fact that it's so accessible. Then there's the stellar voice cast (Jon Hamm, I'd have never guessed it was you!). And it also does help that it's funny in most of the right places...

What's not: 

However, the film lags in some places and those moments really could've been done without. Scarlet Overkill, for example, doesn't strike one as particularly despicable (or menacing, in the very least; but here are some bananas for trying, Sandra). Maybe, Ms Bullock's lines didn't have the required 'Gravity'? Either way, she's 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close' to revealing 'The Blind Side' to her. I mean, 'Hope Floats', but we'd hate to see 'Miss Congeniality' 'Crash' to earth because of this role. We're having a 'Premonition' here (and we'd hate to be true), but it would be really sad if the movie got 'Two Weeks' Notice' because of her rather disappointing effort. There's no second chances here. After all, Despicable Me is 'All About Steve' (Carell, who plays Gru). Overkill? I should sure hope so.... (Cue maniacal evil laugh) 

What to do: 

Here's a film that won't fail, but it won't be one of the best animation films this year either. Your kids and you will probably watch it all of once and then move on to the merchandise. Yeah, that's it. I can't imagine revisiting this film. And that's really disappointing for a film that should've had world do-minion on its agenda.