GUIDE DVD OF THE WEEK: The Minions are despicable but delightful

Featuring the voices of: Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton, Allison Janney, Michael Beattie, Katy Mixon, Jennifer Saunders, Steve Coogan.

Since the dawn of time, Minions have gravitated towards despicable masters including Tyrannosaurus Rex, Count Dracula and Napoleon. Unfortunately, these masters die prematurely - at the hands of the clumsy, yellow hench-creatures - leaving the Minions in a state of deep depression. One brave soul named Kevin steps forth to find an evil boss for his bald, jaundiced brethren. Flanked by Stuart and scaredy-cat Bob, Kevin leaves the Minions' ice cave retreat bound for 1968 New York City. There, the Minions pledge allegiance to bouffant super-villain Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock) and her inventor husband Herb (Jon Hamm), who are plotting to steal the Crown Jewels from Queen Elizabeth II (Jennifer Saunders). Minions has a sprinkling of giggles and doesn't outstay its welcome, but there's an unshakeable feeling that Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda's film falls short. In small doses, Despicable Me's goggle-eyed hench-creatures are a deranged delight. As unwitting heroes of their own big-screen adventure, these pint-sized "knights in shining denim" lose some of their loopy lustre, hindered by Brian Lynch's flimsy script, which is disappointingly light on storyline and belly laughs. A dazzling vocal cast of gifted comic actors is repeatedly short-changed. Very young children, who gurgle with glee at the Minions' bonkers vernacular combining Esperanto and goobledygook, will adore the slapstick, pratfalls and the tiniest member of the Minions clan, Bob, who clutches a well-loved teddy bear called Tim. Adults will be considerably harder to win over. A three-disc box set comprising Despicable Me, Despicable Me 2, Minions and nine mini movies is also available.

Rating: ***