Minions follows a simple plot where Kevin accompanied by Bob and Stuart decide to venture out of the icy sanctuary of their tribe and promise to return with their boss. Their journey takes them to the shores of New York in 1968 and on the stage of Villain Con at Orlando. Next they are entangled in the ambitious ploy of Scarlet Overkill who has her eyes set on the crown of England. Overcoming all obstacles, the minions are finally successful in their mission to find their despicable boss and thereby ending the movie with the promise of yet another sequel.
What is ingenius about Minions is that while the central story is cascading forward, something very true and real about human lives and mind is communicated. For instance, tracing the history of the minions’ search for their boss, the film succinctly showcases the evolution of human quest for power and progress. Setting the Villain Con against the incumbent Nixon rein in America subverts not only the Comic Con tradition but also overturns the good-evil balance. This is very pertinent since the American superheroes were created to reinstate the faith in the triumph of the good and the righteous.
The several revolutions, freedom movements and protests during the 60s are subtly captured through the street protestors and banners. Using The Doors music as background score is yet another subtle but powerful statement. At this time around, America was politically and ideologically leaning towards “the other side”. As the remainder of the plot shifts to England, one is returned to the dynamics and politics of monarchial power. 1968 was the year of Nixon’s re-election and with the Vietnam War, oil crisis and space warfare, America was ready than ever to title the power of global politics in its favor. The threat to the English crown therefore strikes as realistic.
What makes the success of Minions as magical is it constant capacity to make you smile. In the middle of a dangerous chase when Kevin, Bob and Stuart are escaping from Scarlet’s dungeon, Bob finds the time to pet the rabbit in the dreary drainage pipes. While oblivious to their future master, they practice the cheerleading dance with faith and fervor, replete with the customary poms poms. Having broken the brand new gifted guitar, Stuart cuddles the ridiculous snow globe. Even while exiting the crown drama, Bob decides to donate his teddy bear’s golden crown to the power-hungry Scarlet Overkill. There are moments like these and many more that introduce the audience to the unpredictable and the amusing. The characters are therefore established as unique and refreshing.
With all its adorable attributes there is one drawback- the impact and effectiveness of the 3D technology. If one is aware of the viewing experience of the audience while making the movie, then the direction and production design should collaborate to ensure that scenes and visuals pertain to it. Watched in 2D, Minions would accord no different an entertaining package and that is a gross waste of resources and the viewers’ hopes.
Their looks and language may be alien but their emotions and actions are incredibly real representations of human life. To smile and to laugh, to reflect and to realize…Minions is a must watch.
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