We live in a world where we have three Despicable Me movies and two Minions movies and shockingly, none of them are bad. These ridiculous non speaking (unless in Spanish or the word banana) yellow henchmen got their own spinoff. It was unfathomable to me until they happened. And to get them not once but twice with the new sequel and both entries being wildly entertaining and fun. However, after exploring literally all avenues this has to be the final Minions movie as there is nothing left to tell. But if that truly is the case Minions: The Rise of Gru is a perfect send off for the lovable Cyclops and two eye-d minions. They have captured our hearts with their infectious charm.

Minions: The Rise of Gru focuses on Gru (Steve Carell) after taking in the Minions (all of them voiced by Pierre Coffin) as he wants to join the Vicious Six.  The Vicious Six consists of Wild Knuckles (Alan Arkin), Belle Bottom (Taraji P Henson), Jean-Clawed (Jean Claude Van Damme), Svengeance (Dolph Lundgreen), Stronghold (Danny Trejo) and Nun-Chuck (Lucy Lawless). They’re the ultimate gang of villains, and Gru is their biggest fan. The Vicious Six’s new mission is to capture the ultimate device in world ending power, the Zodiac Stone. They turn on Wild Knuckles to announce an open call for villains.

Gru tries to join the Vicious Six but they write him off as he is a literal child, annoyed by the outcome, he does what any super villain would do, steals the Zodiac Stone from the Vicious Six. Upon realizing Gru stole the Zodiac Stone, the Vicious Six make it their mission to track him down. However, things get a little out of hand and Gru gets kidnapped and held hostage. And his beloved minions are now tasked with finding Gru and assuring his safety.

What works for Minions: The Rise of Gru, despite the lack of stakes, is the love and heart growing three sizes aspect of Gru. It shows that yes, he wants to be the world biggest super villain. But deep down there still is a heart that we have learned to discover throughout the Despicable Me movies. There is also a new element to the Minions themselves, that we get to learn about throughout this new feature. While their goal is to serve their master, Gru, they will go to any and all stakes to do so. Including learning Kung Fu (as well as they can) through Master Chow (Michelle Yeoh).

However, one of the most impactful aspects of Minions: The Rise of Gru is the voice cast. Steve Carell and Pierre Coffin return to the franchise. There are acting veterans joining the franchise too. These veterans are, as mentioned above, Alan Arkin, Michelle Yeoh, Dolph Lundgreen, Lucy Lawless, Danny Trejo, Jean Claude Van Damme, and Taraji P Henson. They all bring their signature voices to the forefront. And they bring such comedy to the villainous league of the Vicious Six. Their voice talents help carry the movie along with Steve Carell’s signature humour and levity.

Minions: The Rise of Gru will have children uproar with laughter. While the adults will also find enjoyment in the fifth installment in the Despicable Me franchise. There is truly something for everyone, and not just fart jokes. But the movie really does try to be inclusive and thoughtful to the parents bringing their young ones. It also includes the adults that still love animation and everything it brings to the forefront.