The Rise of Gru is the latest chapter in the phenomenal Despicable Me franchise. Super minions fans finally get the chance to learn Gru’s origin story!  How did Gru and the Minions team up? If you are wondering read on for all the hilarious non-spoiler details.

Synopsis:

Long before he becomes the master of evil, Gru is just a 12-year-old boy in 1970s suburbia, plotting to take over the world from his basement. When the infamous supervillain group, the Vicious 6, ousts their leader, Gru attempts to join their ranks but soon finds himself the mortal enemy of the apex of evil. With Gru on the run, the Minions attempt to learn martial arts to help save him. Gru discovers that even bad guys need a little help from their friends.

Official Trailer:

Review:

Minions: The Rise of Gru is chock full of fun and antics from your favorite Minions. The latest slap stick from the silly Minion crew will delight the kids and make the parents smirk. Written and directed by Kyle Balda and co directed by Brad Abelson this film stays true to everything we love about the Despicable Me franchise.

Super minions fans are going to love digging into the history of grouchy Felonius Gru whose dreams of super-villainy get him laughed at by his classmates. The film seems to gloss over Gru’s history a bit.  I’d like to see more of what makes this super villain tick however kids will love the goof ball comedy over substance. The film showcases a relentless barrage of gags, puns and cartoon type violence. Its a throwback to slapstick 70’s animation and if you like your animation silly this film is a winner!

KIDometer:

This Despicable Me prequel film has a PG rating for “some action, violence, rude humor.”

The Rise of Gru stars Steve Carell, Pierre Coffin, Taraji P. Henson, Lucy Lawless, Dolph Lundgren, Danny Trejo, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Julie Andrews, and Alan Arkin.

Minions: The Rise of Gru is now available on digital and DVD from Universal Home Video.  The Collector’s Edition is jam-packed with exclusive bonus content. It includes two new mini movies, hilarious outtakes, a how-to draw lesson with co-director Brad Ableson.

Minions: The Rise of Gru Bonus Features:

• POST MODERN MINIONS (MINI MOVIE)

  Experience one Minion’s rise and fall as an artistic genius. The minion and a friend sneak into a 1970’s post-modern art gallery and unintentionally creates an explosive new art form that is declared by a snooty art critic as the greatest art he’s ever seen. When the critic moves onto the next new artist, our Minion tries everything to get back in the spotlight, which accidentally leads to his next unexpected career.

• MINIONS AND MONSTERS (MINI MOVIE)

  Follow a newbie Minionas as he joins three experienced Minions in playing a 1970’s fantasy role-playing game. After struggling to gain the skills needed to master the game, the newbie unexpectedly rises to the occasion and saves the day. This earns him the magical crown and the appreciation of his buddies.

Also Includes:

• EXTENDED SCENES & OUTTAKES

• CHARACTER PROFILES

  • GRU
  • WILD KNUCKLES
  • BELLE BOTTOM
  • MASTER CHOW
  • THE VICIOUS 6
  • BIKER

• GRU-VY ANIMATION –

  Join Steve Carell and the directors as they take us through the animation process. From Concept Art, Storyboards and on to the Final Film, with every Gru-vy step in between explained in fun and fascinating detail.

• THE ’70S – FASHION, FOOD & FUNK –

  A behind the scenes look at the 1970’s through the lens of MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU.  From fashion to music, cultural phenomenon and back – the cast and filmmakers are bringing the 1970’s to a whole new generation.

• MINION MARTIAL ARTS –

  In this 1970s inspired martial arts movie throwback, we hear from the film’s directors about their inspiration, how they created authenticity in animation, the role the many martial artists in the cast played to bring it to life and how you teach a Minion to fight.

• HOW TO DRAW (& ANIMATE) WITH BRAD ABLESON –

  Co-director Brad Ableson shows us how to draw our favorite characters.

  • MINION
  • YOUNG GRU
  • KUNG FU STUART

• LAIR FLAIR: MAKE YOUR OWN MINION HIDEOUT –

  The Minions aren’t the only ones who can build a secret lair — now you can, too!

  • THE LAIR
  • DISCO BUBBLES
  • JET PACK

• SUPER STYLE SHOP –

  The Minion uniform (overalls and goggles) is timeless. Simple yet functional. But sometimes Minions have a casual day out and can abandon their work attire for something more fashionable. Here’s how to create new fashions for your Minions!

  • BELL BOTTOMS AND BANDANA
  • FRINGE VEST AND CHUNKY NECKLACE

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With the purchase of MINIONS: RISE OF GRU on disc or digital, fans are eligible to earn points towards digital movies via the Universal All-Access Rewards program. Members can redeem their points for digital movies, swag and more!  For registration and details please visit www.MyUniversalRewards.com.