More like “Meh”nions. Eh? Ehhhhh?
For a movie with the above image and a premise of somewhat dubious taste (acting as henchmen to a fictional villain is all in good fun, but seeing the l’il yellow guys aiding Napoleon and other historic despots raises a lot of questions), Minions could be way, way worse.
It’s not a bad movie, necessarily; just a simultaneously chaotic and mediocre one. I wouldn’t spend money to watch it in theaters (save your hard-earned cash for Inside Out!) but I might chance it on a long plane ride if Rio 2 isn’t available.
Critiquing Minions through a feminist lens feels counterproductive; I recognize that despite the movie’s inanity there’s worth in pointing out the societal values it’s reflecting, but, like, where to begin? There is some very, very, weird stuff about gender in this movie (if you’re looking for it, that is, admittedly it’s hard to turn off that part of my brain when I’m watching stuff for The Mary Sue) but also the main characters are tiny little banana men who might be immortal and are likely responsible for some of humanity’s greatest tragedies and the movie is actually a ’60s period piece so WHO KNOWS. ABOUT. ANY. OF. IT.
Suffice to say that if you want to take a little one in your life to a movie with a positive female character in it, be warned that Minions only has three ladies: a caricature of the Queen, an irredeemable villain (voiced by Sandra Bullock), and a fire hydrant.
But yes. History’s greatest monsters are still very, very cute.
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