After five parts of what we can only term The Cinematic Gruniverse, a basic formula for all films involving Gru/the Minions have been established. A powerful gadget will be taken. At least one Minion or child will disappear. There will be a number of montages. There will be a battle with something very large at some point. By chance, the Minions will save the day. That predictable pattern is a terrible thing if you're hoping one of these movies would do something surprising, but is anyone really expecting creativity from the Minions? That uncomplicated recipe has consistently resulted in a dependable, undemanding pleasant time at the movies.
This is a Despicable Me prequel focusing on Gru, with an unusually heavy dose of Minions. Gru is an uncomfortable, friendless pre-teen in 1976 San Francisco who dreams of being a supervillain. He applies to join the Vicious 6, the world's premier supervillain team led by Belle Bottom but is humiliated during his interview. To show his heroes what they're missing, Gru snatches the enigmatic Zodiac Stone, the Vicious 6's most prized possession. He and his devoted Minions are on the run from the world's most dangerous people, seeking the assistance of someone with a personal vendetta against the Vicious 6: their betrayed former leader, Wild Knuckles. You can watch this full movie in HD quality here on Minions The Rise of Gru Afdah for free.