Category Archives: Animation

MINIONS (2015): For Their General Adorableness & Super Joy Inducing Qualities

Minions (2015), Stuart, Kevin, Bob (Pierre Coffin)
Minions (2015), Stuart, Kevin, Bob (Pierre Coffin)

Minions is the film I had been waiting and hoping for ever since I saw the first Despicable Me (2010) movie. It was clear for me even then that the minions were the ones I wanted to see most.

After spending time dreaming about a minion focused movie, I’m glad to confirm that any fears I had about the end result not being as good as hoped were a complete waste of time.

Directed by Kyle Balda, Pierre Coffin, and written by Brian Lynch, my favourite thing about Minions, besides the adorableness of the yellow, banana-loving and happiness-inducing beauties, is the fact that this time, the audience got to know more about them. Learning their story, from how they came to wear those blue dungarees to the different personalities of the three main minions, Stuart, Kevin and Bob.

Minions (2015), Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock), Bob, Kevin, Stuart (Pierre Coffin)
Minions (2015), Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock), Bob, Kevin, Stuart (Pierre Coffin)

I haven’t yet met anyone that doesn’t enjoy the minions, though I’m certain that they exist.

I love them so much that I’ve been known to yelp with delight – and at head-turning volumes at the sight of them. I was recently caught off guard reaching such volumes when I encountered tens of Minions plush toys in a busy mall. Looking back, it was quite embarrassing, but who has time for embarrassment, really, when lots of cute minions soft toys insist on spreading joy?

Minions (2015), Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock), Herb Overkill (John Hamm)
Minions (2015), Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock), Herb Overkill (John Hamm)

The film isn’t perfect in the traditional sense but it’s hugely loved nonetheless because it doesn’t need to be perfect, nor does it need to follow all the traditional rules.

Watch Minions for a fun adventure that’ll leave you with a sizeable smile on your face, praise for the ending and a prayer for an even better next instalment, should it make sense.

Sandra Bullock is great as super villain Scarlet Overkill. Jon Hamm Allison Janney, Michael Keaton, Pierre Coffin, Steve Koogan and Jennifer Saunders provide some of the the voices that bring the other key characters to life.

Watch it and laugh, smile, plus plenty more.

Happy Film Loving,

G

THE PEANUTS MOVIE (2015): New Trailer, For All Fans Of Snoopy & Charlie Brown…

The peanuts Movie (2015), Charlie Brown, Snoopy
The peanuts Movie (2015), Charlie Brown, Snoopy

It’s time for another comic book movie, but not the kind you’re used to.

I’m familiar with Snoopy and Charlie Brown. Though mainly by name and aesthetic. It should be interesting to finally discover what’s so great about the characters and stories many fans love.

The Peanuts Movie Release Date(s): November 6th 2015 (US), December 21st 2015 (UK).

Happy Film Loving,  

G

HELL & BACK (2015): New Trailer For Fun Comedy Set In Hell…

Hell And Back (2015), Nick Swardson (Remy), T.J. Miller (Augie)
Hell And Back (2015), Nick Swardson (Remy), T.J. Miller (Augie)

Read my spoiler-free movie review of Hell & Back (2015).


So,  this looks wonderfully nuts.

The Tom Gianas and Ross Shuman directed fun fest is out October 2015.

The cast includes comedy favourites Danny McBride, Michael Pena, Mila Kunis, Susan Sarandon, T.J. Miller and Jennifer Coolidge.

I for one cannot wait. Fingers crossed that the end result will prove worthwhile. 

Happy Film Loving,

G

HOME (2015): I Watched For The Cute Alien & Jim Parsons’ Voice

Home (2015), Tip (Rihanna), Oh (Jim Parsons)
Home (2015), Tip (Rihanna), Oh (Jim Parsons)

I knew I’d end up watching Home, if only because of Jim Parsons, an actor rightly celebrated for his portrayal of Sheldon Cooper in CBS’ big hit, The Big Bang Theory.

Also starring Rihanna, Steve Martin, Jennifer Lopez and directed by Tim Johnson, Home centres around a cute purple alien called Oh and his friendship with earthling girl, Tip (Rihanna).

The Boov, Oh’s alien race are undeniably cute, and Home has several amusing moments – my favourite being when Oh learns about dancing. The way the story of the Gorg is concluded at the end is also great.

You may find the ‘bad English’ or the interesting way that the Boov speak quite annoying. I sure did at first. But now, after a second viewing, the word adorable comes to mind instead.

The story is engaging, However, don’t be surprised if you get the urge to watch The Big Bang Theory as Home plays. Something to do with the pace of Home, perhaps. It could also be more about the power of the brilliant character that is…  my dearest ‘Shelley Cooper!’

Happy Film Loving,

G

HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2 (2015): New Trailer With Curly Redheaded Cuteness and Laughter…

Hotel Transylvania 2 (2015), Adam Sandler (Dracula)
Hotel Transylvania 2 (2015), Adam Sandler (Dracula)

Hotel Transylvania 2, written by and starring Adam Sandler looks like plenty of fun.

I love that the ‘little monster’ is reminiscent of the completely adorable and mischievous triplets from Disney’s Brave (2012).

No idea how it happens that I actually haven’t seen Hotel Transylvania (2012). So, now I know what I’m doing this Sunday evening.

Luenell, Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez, Kevin James, Steve Buscemi, David Spade, Keegan-Michael Key, Fran Drescher, Molly Shannon, Megan Mullally, Nick Offerman and Dana Carvey also star.

Happy Film Loving,

G