christian movie review minions the rise of gru

Minions: The Rise of Gru (Christian Movie Review)

Verdict: A noisy and disjoined film that offers some funny isolated gags, but very little substance or heart.   

About The Movie

Illumination Studios is back, sparking an important debate: are the minions funny or just annoying?

While it often feels like the gibbering yellow marshmallows are everywhere in culture, it’s been 5 years since they last scampered onto a movie screen. Yet, nothing has really changed. As with the original spinoff, Minions (2015), The Rise of Gru is cinematic cotton candy. There is nothing of nutritional value to be found. The movie offers a quick sugar high.

Let’s start with the positives. As expected, there are some hilarious moments. In an era in which animated films often strive for emotional storytelling and explore mature themes, the Minions maintain the spirit of classic cartoons like the Loony Tunes . I watched the movie with my 7-year-old twin boys, and they laughed throughout.  

Unfortunately, the problem is that there isn’t much else of value. The zany humor that works well in small doses in the Despicable Me films becomes tiresome when stretched into a feature-length movie. Like an overindulgence of sugar, eventually it stops being enjoyable and just leaves you with a headache. It seems that the filmmakers had a collection of ideas for crazy Minion hijinks and then pieced them together with the thinnest of narrative threads. As a result, The Rise of Gru unfolds more like a series of disconnected gags or SNL sketches rather than as a unified story.

Also noticeably missing is the touching relationship between Gru and his three adopted daughters that provided the heart of the Despicable Me movies. There are attempts to fill that emotional void, such as through the storyline of Gru bonding with a grandfatherly supervillain he grew up idolizing or his growing parental relationship with the minions. But the barrage of gags doesn’t give these moments room to breathe.

I didn’t dislike Minions: Rise of Gru . It was exactly the type of movie I expected it to be. I’m just not sure I enjoyed it all that much. My kids laughed while watching it, but they were already talking about other things by the time we left the movie theatre’s parking lot. Overall, while good for some laughs, it felt uninspired. The minions themselves may be indestructible, immortal creatures, but I think their charm is reaching the end of the road.     

For Consideration

Profanity: None, although there are several utterances of “what the heck” and a few other rude words (“stupid,” “idiot,” etc.).

Violence: None.

Sexuality: None.

Other: The movie contains several elements that some Christian parents may find offensive, although the film does not necessarily present them in an offensive way. Two hippy characters (the film is set in 1976) are shown doing strange and almost psychedelic yoga (they’re making weird grunts and sounds), and it’s implied that one smells strongly of marijuana. The story also revolves around the mystical “Zodiac Stone” that can turn anyone into the animals of the Chinese Zodiac (you see the spirits of the animals come out of the stone and into the characters, though it’s not depicted as demonic possession or anything spiritual). Lastly, a kung-fu master teaches characters to “find your inner beast,” which inflames their eyes and allows them to unleash their rage on their enemies and use mystical kung-fu powers (sending blasts of wind, etc.). It is clearly presented as a classic martial art trope, not as anything spiritual or demonic, but it is something for parents to consider (you can get an idea of it by watching the movie’s trailers). Lastly, one of the villains is named Nun-chuck and, as expected, she is nun who uses nunchucks. I personally found the character mildly amusing and harmless, but some Christian viewers might find the character blasphemous or offensive.   

Engage The Film

Living life in a community.

The Rise of Gru isn’t a deep movie, and there is very little going on “beneath the surface.” That’s not necessarily a bad thing (it’s okay for movies simply to entertain rather than explore deeper themes), but it also means there isn’t a whole lot for Christians to engage with.

Amidst the zany Minion shenanigans, there is a wholesome message. The story highlights the importance of community and doing life together (even if that life involves being a despicable supervillain). The Minions are trying to establish a life with Gru after their nomadic existence in Minions (2015). Gru is striving to find his place in the world of supervillains, first by trying to join the famous Vicious 6 and then by embracing his own crew with the minions. Gru summarizes the theme at the end of the film: “He taught me what really matters. You can’t do anything alone. Find your tribe and never let them go.”  

Gru’s newfound understanding is a biblical one: “Then God said ‘It is not good for the man to be alone’” ( Genesis 2:18 ), or “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” ( Hebrews 10:24-25 ). While not anti-family, the movie emphasizes the importance of community and “found family.” My favorite scene in the film depicts the unexpected friendship between a minion and a seemingly gruff and intimidating biker. They form a touching bond, and it’s clear that both are encouraged and blessed by the other.

Daniel holds a PhD in "Christianity and the Arts" from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author/co-author of multiple books and he speaks in churches and schools across the country on the topics of Christian worldview, apologetics, creative writing, and the Arts.

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How many Minion movies have there been?

First off, outside of two of the Despicable Me movies, I have not gone to see the other movies in this franchise. (Please don’t hate me, but I really don’t see the appeal of the minions). I mostly see and review Disney movies with an occasional other movie thrown in for good luck, but with Disney declaring war on the Christian family , my youngest son, (Jack-Jack 17 and autistic) is one of the casualties caught in the crosshairs. He desperately wants to see movies in the theater. So in an attempt to broaden our horizons, we decided to see Minions: The Rise of Gru. Here is my Christian Movie Review, and visit here to see how I review movies.

I attempt to answer your questions regarding this movie, and let you know any content that may be troublesome before you see it yourself.

Minions: The Rise of Gru Christian Movie Review Synopsis

From Universal Pictures: When the infamous supervillain supergroup, the Vicious 6, oust their leader—legendary martial arts fighter Wild Knuckles (Oscar® winner Alan Arkin)— Gru, their most devoted fanboy, interviews to become their newest member. The Vicious 6 is not impressed by the diminutive, wannabe villain, but then Gru outsmarts (and enrages) them, and he suddenly finds himself the mortal enemy of the apex of evil. With Gru on the run, the Minions attempt to master the art of kung fu to help save him, and Gru discovers that even bad guys need a little help from their friends. 

Gru (Steve Carell) is an 11-year-old boy. When asked in school what he wants to be when he grows up, he quickly answers “a super villain.” While most little boys are hoping to be firefighters, police officers, or superheroes, Gru is drawn to the criminal life. 

Before you say, 11-year-old boys don’t want to be firefighters or astronauts anymore – remember this movie is set during the 1970s. 

Gru has his own team in the Minions, but he doesn’t have cool gadgets or formal training. Kevin, Stuart, and Bob are the main minions we see in this movie. Otto is a braces-wearing minion. 

When he fails to impress the leader of the Vicious 6, who demands that he doesn’t return until he has done something evil to impress her, Gru steals the Zodiac Stone. Then when he is almost caught, he gives the stone to one of the Minions who trades it for a pet rock. When Gru goes looking for the stone, he ends up getting kidnapped by his favorite super villain.

Will the Minions find Gru? Will Gru become the ultimate villain? Because this is a prequel, you obviously know the answer to these questions! 

Minions: The Rise of Gru Christian Movie Review

What parents may want to know.

The Good: Overall this movie was pretty tame content-wise. The animated violence was nothing extreme. This movie is so similar to other movies within this franchise, so there really is not much that you won’t expect.

Even villains have a sweet side, and Gru is mostly kind and caring with his minions. 

Potentially Objectionable Content:

While there is very little in the language department, there is plenty of innuendos. Furthermore, there is plenty of words such as stupid, idiot, heck, and sucker. “Holy Guacamole” is stated.

The song from KC and the Sunshine Bank, “Get Down Tonight” plays – “Do a little dance, make a little love, get down tonight.”

There is plenty of violence and yet nobody is really hurt. A man falls a very far distance into a river. It is presumed he is dead. Later you see the character alive.

In an Indiana Jones or Romancing the Stone moment, a man is almost killed by spikes, and you do see skulls from previous people. 

A man is attacked by golden evil statues.

There are car wrecks, vans flipping over, crashed vehicles, and high-speed chases through the streets. A house is destroyed. A minion is set on fire and one is hit with a hammer.

Furthermore, there are many fights throughout the movie. 

Gru is tied to a clock on a clock tower. He is also tied to a giant record player with a spinning blade that inches toward him. He is dangled over the edge of a balcony. 

Sexual Content:

Gru gets out of the bath and his towel drops below his butt crack as he is drying, and you see him put on his underwear. You see Minion butts too.

Minions dress as women and put tennis balls in their dresses for look like women. 

Other Content – Spiritual:

One of the Vicious 6 is dressed as a nun and named Nun-Chuck. Her nunchucks are in the shape of a cross.

Someone calls a person a demon child. A woman does yoga and meditates.

The Zodiac Stone is based on the signs of the zodiac. Furthermore, it is mystical and it’s powers allow people to transform into supernatural beasts. Animal spirits are depicted several times. 

An acupuncturist/kung fu master teaches the Minions how to “channel their inner beast” which causes glowing red eyes and they blast people with their voices.

The minions dress as angels.

Cheating/Lying: Gru cheats to get what he wants. The minions also do some deceitful things.

A man fakes a heart attack to rob a bank. 

Gru releases a fart bomb in a movie theater so he can watch the movie without others in the theater. 

Teachable Moments:

While Gru has the opportunity to let his kidnapper die, he ends up saving him. Talk to your kids about compassion and doing the right thing even when you should want to seek revenge.

Additionally, Gru does some mean things – he acts like a bully – such as eating ice cream outside the window of a gym. As a Christian, why would this be something you shouldn’t do?

My Review Recommendations:

Minions: The Rise of Gru is the most boring film I have seen in a long time. I actually nodded off in the theater, something I rarely do. I personally think this franchise is overdone, but my 17-year-old autistic son loved it and so did other kids in the theater.

Warning: The following is said tongue in cheek and should not be construed to be actually parenting advice. I am certain that this movie is just a compilation of a series of other movies with minions thrown in for good luck. Save yourself a lot of money, get old Despicable Me/minion movies from the library and let your kids watch those until they are super bored. Then when this comes out streaming, convince them that they already saw this movie! 

References to other movies:

Jaws is playing in the movie theater

Additionally, a man rides a motorcycle through Death Valley- Easy Rider

The opening song is very James Bond ish!

A very Indiana Jones-like heist

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – is the title a play on that?

Mystery Machine van – Scooby-Doo

References to Actual Places:

San Francisco is prominent in this movie as is the Golden Gate Bridge.

Old St. Mary’s Cathedral clock is featured.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Pacific Coast Highway

The Painted Ladies – row houses in San Francisco

Additional References: A Mad Max magazine from 1961 with Richard Nixon on the cover – before he was President.

The cast of Minions: The Rise of Gru – Christian Movie Review

Steve Carrell as Gru

Alan Arkin as Wild Knuckles

Taraji P. Henson as Belle Bottom

Michelle Yeoh as Master Chow

Julie Andrews as Gru’s Mom

Russell Brand as Nefarious

Jean-Claude Van Damme as Jean-Clawed

Dollops Lundgren as Svengeance

Danny Trejo as Stronghold

Lucy Lawless as Nun-Chuck

Pierre Coffin as the Minions

Rating: PG 

Release Date: July 1, 2022

Run Time: 87 minutes

Director: Kyle Balda

Co-Director: Brad Ableson

Jonathan del Val

Producers: Chris Meledandri

Janet Healy

Chris Renau

Frequently Asked Questions:

When Will this movie be released on DVD?

As of this point, the date of this has not been released yet.

Is this movie available for streaming?

Currently, this movie is not available on streaming on Netflix, Amazon, or any other service. It is only in theaters.

How Many Minion movies have there been?

Despicable Me (2010) – First film in the franchise 

Despicable Me 2 (2013)

Minions (2015)

Despicable Me 3 (2017)

Reviewing movies for parents from a Christian perspective since 2005. Know Before You Go!

Christian Homeschooling mom – 30 years and counting

Autism Mom & Disney enthusiast

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Schooling with disney’s pinocchio movie plus review, 4 thoughts on “minions: the rise of gru christian movie review”.

Hi, I wanted to say thanks because this is our dollar movie this week at the theater and I wanted to check a Christian parent review. Oh and my 8 year old son is autistic as well and we were checking out this movie last minute because expected plans changed and I was scrambling to find a good way to change the plan for him. Blessings.

Did you see the movie? I hope it all worked out for you.

This review was excellent. Subscribed! Our family is in the same boat – wanting to watch movies in theater – except my boys never liked Disney. (“Why do they always kill the mother???!!!”). Seriously, my eldest was traumatized by Nemo back in preschool. His teacher had to come find me in the library, where I volunteered, to explain that he was sitting in the hall outside the classroom because after the opening scene, he refused to watch the end of year movie any further. She explained that “this is all we are doing today… can he come on upstairs with you?” When I picked him up, he was near tears. “Why do all my friends like to watch all the movies like this and I do not?!” I told him that God had blessed him with a sensitive heart and there was nothing wrong with him not liking those movies!!! He would find movies that had better stories. That he had a wonderful understanding of the world, stories, and imagination. Two of his favorite childhood movies were Cars and The Lego Movie. Later, the LOTR trilogy and Marvel movies (with criticism at the ready!). Loved Ford vs. Ferrari. He now tolerates my husband’s suggestions of our favorite movies from 80’s and 90’s. But does not like many of them. ET: is not magical, but depressing. He declared Top Gun to be “terrible… where is the plot?” but was delighted to see Maverick ON THE BIG SCREEN. Story line, character arcs, musical score, and oh – the flight action! : ) Now this young man hopes to film good stories. He is fully able to discern what to see in theaters now, but is still near impossible to find movies worthy of taking our youngest to see. Too many films ostensibly for young children are determined to be intense psychological onslaughts, have super sexy baddies, or are full of bizarre cultural messaging. (Red Panda anyone?) I think I gave up on Hollywood while watching one of the SW prequels and restraining myself from standing up, shaking a fist at the screen, and shouting “EAT the Porg, Chewie.. EAT THE PORG!”

I guess I am still really hoping that this is just a bad period for Disney movies, similar to the 70s and 80s.

God bless your son. He sounds like a wonderful human.

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Movie Review: The Rise of Gru

Gru and his myriad Minions return for the fifth entry in the Despicable Me franchise. Mischief and toilet humor await, as you likely already know. But so does a sweet story about how we all need each other thrive. Read the Plugged In review: https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/minions-the-rise-of-gru-2022/ If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

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