Minions: The Rise of Gru

Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022), directed by Kyle Balda, drops us into a retro-tinged world where evil is an aspiration, not a consequence. Young Gru (Steve Carell) isn’t yet the mastermind we know—he’s a determined supervillain superfan, convinced that the right scheme will earn him a seat at the coolest, cruelest table in town. The target of his admiration: the notorious Vicious 6, a crew whose reputation makes them the ultimate badge of villainy.

Gru’s plan to prove himself doesn’t exactly unfold with smooth precision. That’s the point. The film thrives on the gap between ambition and ability, letting comedy bloom from near-misses, escalating misunderstandings, and the kind of overconfidence only a kid can sustain. Around him, the Minions—led by Pierre Coffin’s unmistakable vocal mayhem—operate like a loyal support squad that’s equal parts helpful and hazardous.

What keeps the story moving is its playful blend of adventure and science-fiction gadgetry, with set pieces that lean into spy-movie swagger and Saturday-morning energy. Along the way, the voice cast adds extra flavor: Taraji P. Henson brings bite, Alan Arkin and Julie Andrews add seasoned charm, and appearances from Jean-Claude Van Damme, Lucy Lawless, and Michelle Yeoh give the world a punchier, larger-than-life edge.

At its core, though, this is an origin tale about identity—about choosing who you want to be before you understand what it costs. The movie never forgets it’s a comedy, but it also knows how to land a sincere beat when Gru’s bravado slips and something more human peeks through. That balance makes it easy to watch for kids and surprisingly satisfying for adults who enjoy character-driven animation.

For fans of the franchise, The Rise of Gru works like a missing chapter, connecting the Minions’ unwavering devotion to the earliest version of the boss they adore. For newcomers, it’s a self-contained, high-spirited ride—bright, brisk, and built for a crowd—where the biggest question isn’t whether Gru will become infamous, but how much delightful trouble it takes to get there.