Tag 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

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

THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS (2016): Chloe & Leonard Already Have My Heart

The Secret Life Of Pets (2016)
The Secret Life Of Pets (2016)

Read my spoiler-free movie review of The secret Life of Pets in (2016)


The same people behind Despicable Me and the Minions will bring us The secret Life of Pets in 2016.

Based on this delightful teaser trailer, I know I’ll love it. I already can’t wait to see more of all the pets, especially Chloe and Leonard.

The voice artists include Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, Albert Brooks, Ellie KemperLake BellKevin Hart, Hannibal Buress and Bobby Moynihan, to name just a few. 

Time to get excited, I think.

The Secret Life Of Pets Release Date(s): June 30th, 2016 (UK); July 8th, 2016 (US)…

Happy Film Loving,

G

RATATOUILLE (2007) Perfect Words For All With Big Dreams…

Ratatouille (2007, Peter Sohn, Emile
Ratatouille (2007, Peter Sohn, Emile

I’m not even particularly passionate about cooking but Ratatouille is very much ‘up there’ as one of the best animated movies ever made. Considering that it comes from the same family that created the Toy Story films, this should be no surprise.

Who can resist the beautiful tale of a rat with an all-consuming passion for cooking?

Now, I’m not suddenly saying that I like rats. I find the real life furry, long tailed beasts absolutely terrifying. But the magic of animation means that the most seemingly hideous beasts can be made to look more beautiful than anyone could’ve ever imagined. In other words, the rat characters of Ratatouille (Emile and Remi) are the closest I’ll ever willingly and knowingly be close to rat kind.

Ratatouille (2007, Patton Oswalt, Remi
Ratatouille (2007, Patton Oswalt, Remi

As you can see from these pictures, there’s cuteness, definitely plenty of cuteness. Cuteness mixed in with comedy and the occasional action sequence, making for a super animated fantasy adventure.

Ratatouille is  an inspirational tale. The sort with the types of positive, encouraging and lifting messages I’m sure I’ll never tire of hearing. Treat yourself and watch it immediately! Or, when you’re next in the mood for great animation.

Happy Film Loving,

G

MINIONS (2015) The Best Happiness Inducing Yellow Beauties…

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

Read my spoiler-free movie review of Minions (2015).


I confess that I am one of those people who watched the Despicable Me movies purely for the Minions. Imagine my joy at the news that a Minion movie was on the way, for summer 2015. Aaaaaaaahhhh!

Something tells me that I’m not the only grown-up who exhibits signs of pure uncontrollable glee at the sight of the beloved Minions. Seriously, who can possibly resist the most adorable, yellow, happiness-inducing and banana-loving beauties?

Here’s the latest trailer.

Bring on the yellow gorgeousness!

Happy Film Loving,

G