Minions: The Rise of Gru

Introduction

Minions: The Rise of Gru, released on July 1, 2022, is the latest installment in the Despicable Me franchise, specifically within the Minions prequel series. Directed by Kyle Balda, with co-direction by Brad Ableson and Jonathan del Val, the film is written by Matthew Fogel and produced by Chris Meledandri, Janet Healy, and Chris Renaud. This animated comedy sets itself apart by delving into the early life of Gru, the beloved supervillain from the Despicable Me series, and his formative years as an aspiring villain in the 1970s.

The film’s production history is notable for its delayed release due to the COVID-19 pandemic, initially scheduled for 2020 but pushed back to 2022. Despite this, the movie maintained significant anticipation and excitement among fans of the franchise. The film’s retro setting, coupled with its blend of humor and action, makes it a unique addition to the animated genre.

Plot Summary

Minions: The Rise of Gru is set in 1976 and follows the story of an eleven-year-old Gru, voiced by Steve Carell, who dreams of becoming the world’s greatest supervillain. Gru is a fan of the Vicious 6, a supervillain team that has recently betrayed and attempted to murder their founder, Wild Knuckles, during a heist to steal the Zodiac Stone. This ancient artifact is connected to the Chinese zodiac and grants the wearer the power to transform into one of the zodiac animals.

Gru’s attempt to join the Vicious 6, now led by Belle Bottom, ends in rejection, but he manages to steal the Zodiac Stone with the help of his loyal Minions, Kevin, Stuart, and Bob. However, things take a turn when Otto, a new Minion, trades the stone for a pet rock, leading Gru to fire the Minions and embark on a solo mission to retrieve the stone.

The plot thickens as Wild Knuckles, who is revealed to be alive, kidnaps Gru and demands that the Minions return the stone in exchange for Gru’s safety. The Minions, determined to rescue Gru, travel to San Francisco and encounter various obstacles, including Knuckles’ goons and the Vicious 6. They are aided by Master Chow, a former Kung Fu teacher, who helps them in their mission.

The film culminates in a showdown between the Minions, Gru, and the Vicious 6, with Gru ultimately using the Zodiac Stone to turn the Vicious 6 into rats, leading to their arrest. The movie concludes with Gru giving a heartfelt eulogy at Knuckles’ funeral, only to discover that Knuckles had faked his own death, and the two drive off together with the Minions, who are rehired after saving Gru^[1][5].

Themes and Symbolism

Minions: The Rise of Gru explores several central themes that contribute to its engaging narrative. One of the primary themes is the pursuit of dreams and ambition. Gru’s relentless desire to become a supervillain, despite his young age and initial failures, serves as a motivational arc for the character. This theme is reinforced by the Minions’ unwavering loyalty and dedication to Gru, highlighting the importance of friendship and teamwork.

Another significant theme is the concept of identity and belonging. Gru’s struggle to find his place within the Vicious 6 and his eventual acceptance by Wild Knuckles reflect the universal quest for belonging and recognition. The film also touches on the idea of redemption and second chances, as seen in the relationship between Gru and Knuckles.

Symbolically, the Zodiac Stone represents power and the transformative potential it holds. The stone’s ability to change its wearer into different zodiac animals symbolizes the various roles and identities one can assume, reflecting Gru’s own journey of self-discovery and growth^[1][5].

Cultural Impact

Minions: The Rise of Gru had a significant cultural impact upon its release. The film became a box office sensation, achieving $217 million in domestic sales and over $1 billion globally, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 2022^[3].

The movie also spawned a viral meme culture, particularly among teenagers. The #Gentleminions trend on TikTok, where groups of young adults dressed in suits like Gru and Minions costumes attended screenings, became a notable phenomenon. This trend was accompanied by the song "Rich Minion" by Yeat and involved disruptive yet playful behavior in theaters, such as cheering and throwing bananas. This meme subculture was acknowledged by Universal Pictures, Illumination, and the franchise’s social media accounts, further amplifying its reach^[1][3].

Critical Reception

The critical reception of Minions: The Rise of Gru was mixed but generally positive. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film received a 70% approval rating from critics, with an average rating of 6.1/10. The consensus noted that while the film’s antics were beginning to grate, it would still delight young children^[1].

On Metacritic, the film scored 56 out of 100 based on 41 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews. However, audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale, and those at PostTrak gave it an 87% overall positive score, with 71% saying they would definitely recommend it^[1].

Some critics praised the film’s nostalgic value and the humor of the Minions, while others found it too light and formulaic. Johnny Oleksinski from the New York Post rated the film three out of four stars, highlighting the likability and marketability of the Minions^[1].

Legacy

Minions: The Rise of Gru has left a lasting impact on the animated film landscape. It continues to be celebrated for its unique blend of retro aesthetics and modern humor, appealing to both old and new fans of the Despicable Me franchise.

The film’s success has also paved the way for future installments in the series. An untitled third Minions movie is scheduled for release in 2026, and the franchise remains a staple in family entertainment^[3][4].

The cultural phenomenon surrounding the film, particularly the #Gentleminions trend, has shown how movies can transcend their screens and become part of broader cultural conversations. This trend has been compared to other meme-driven phenomena, such as those surrounding the film Morbius, but stands out for its genuine interest and engagement with the film itself^[1].

In conclusion, Minions: The Rise of Gru is a significant addition to the Despicable Me franchise, offering a fresh and entertaining look at the origins of one of animation’s most beloved characters. Its blend of humor, action, and heart has made it a favorite among audiences of all ages, ensuring its place in cinematic history.