Minions - 2015

Movie Info

Rating: PG

Age-appropriateness: The notion of “evil” is primary to the plot. Evil deeds are seen as positive, in a comedic sense. Immature, slapstick comedy. Cartoonish violence.

Overview: Minions Stuart, Kevin, and Bob are recruited by Scarlet Overkill, a supervillain who, alongside her inventor husband Herb, hatches a plot to take over the world. With plenty of slapstick comedy, the minions try to find a villain to follow. The plot glorifies crime/sinful behavior, which raises the great conversation topic of sin/evil. This movie is a gateway to great discussion like: “what makes us do bad things?”, “what is true evil?”, and “what’s the result of our sin?”. Plenty of options to point to the gospel!

Themes: evil, silliness, following authority, loyalty, sin, forgiveness, friendship, sacrifice, leadership

The Quick 3

Ask these quick questions to hit the major themes of the film.

1. Evil. What are some evil things that you see in our world? What questions do you have about evil and the broken parts of this world?

The minions liked following people who did bad things. They supported “evil” and celebrated doing evil things - after all, they are minions and they support villains!
Parent resource: How to Talk to Your Kids About Satan/Evil.

2. Loyalty. Who are the people in charge of your life? What are some ways you can show respect to them?

The minions try to find a boss. The minions were very loyal and respected the person in charge. Loyalty is showing trust and constant support for someone. (Hint: Look up Exodus 20:12 in your Bible)

3. Sin. How do you think God responds to our sin? How do you think he feels when we sin? What do you think is the consequence for your sin?

The minions and the super-villains sinned a lot. They weren’t nice to others and their motivations were self-centered. Sin is anything less than God’s best for us - whether it’s a behavior, thought, or an action not taken.
God hates sin but he desperately loves you. Your sin separates you from God forever (Isaiah 59:2), but because God loves you so much, He sent his Son Jesus to live a perfect life and then willingly choose to die on the cross to pay the penalty for OUR sins, not His own sins (because Jesus never sinned). So it’s only because of Jesus that we can be forgiven and reunite with God. As a result, God lives in our hearts and we can be with him forever in heaven! 2 Cor 5:21 says, "For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ."

After The Movie Discussion Guide

Follow this 5-10 minute discussion guide to drive an in-depth conversation.

1. The minions liked following people who did bad things. They supported “evil” and celebrated doing evil things - after all, they are minions and they support villains! What are some evil things that you see in our world? What questions do you have about evil and the broken parts of this world?

Parent resource: How to Talk to Your Kids About Satan/Evil.

2. The minions encourage bad behavior and support super-villains, which is NOT a good way to live our life. 2 Tim 2:22 encourages us to “run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts." While we all make mistakes, it’s important to encourage one another to behave in a way that honors God. Who are some people that you know do bad things but you want to be their friend anyway?

3. The minions would often to try do the right thing, but kept making mistakes. Mistakes are inevitable. God’s Word tells us that “everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard" (Rom 3:23). Jesus will always forgive our mistakes every single time! That’s called “grace”. Grace is giving someone something they don’t deserve (unmerited favor). What are some of the mistakes you’ve made recently? Did you realize that Jesus extends grace to you for those mistakes?

4. The minions actively tried to do things that were wrong. God encourages us to do the opposite: to actively and intentionally try to do things that are good. "Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it” (James 4:17). Instead of just trying to avoid mistakes, how can you actually be proactive in doing good and making other’s people’s lives better?

5. The minions and the super-villains sinned a lot. They weren’t nice to others and their motivations were self-centered. Sin is anything less than God’s best for us - whether it’s a behavior, thought, or an action not taken. How do you think God responds to our sin? How do you think he feels when we sin? What do you think is the consequence for your sin?

God hates sin but he desperately loves you. Your sin separates you from God forever (Isaiah 59:2), but because God loves you so much, He sent his Son Jesus to live a perfect life and then willingly choose to die on the cross to pay the penalty for OUR sins, not His own sins (because Jesus never sinned). So it’s only because of Jesus that we can be forgiven and reunite with God. As a result, God lives in our hearts and we can be with him forever in heaven! 2 Cor 5:21 says, "For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ."

6. Throughout the entire movie, Scarlett Overkill was obsessed with getting the crown. She had an unhealthy desire for it, and it took over her life. We see from start to finish, that she doesn’t have peace because sin and evil were in her heart. Even though sinning seems fun, it will always lead to destruction, pain, and sadness. What are some ways that you’ve sinned that have actually been pretty fun?

Minute By Minute Guide

Use this break down of the entire movie in addition to the “After the Movie” discussion guide. Great for repeat viewings.

:02 The minions try to find a boss. The minions were very loyal and respected the person in charge. Loyalty is showing trust and constant support for someone. Who are the people in charge of your life? What are some ways you can show respect to them? (Hint: Look up Exodus 20:12 in your Bible)

:07 Without a master, the minions had no purpose and felt depressed. Why do you think the minions were so sad without a leader? Why are leaders so important in our life? What do they help us with? What would happen if we didn’t have parents or leaders in our lives? How would you feel?

:10 Kevin, Stuart, and Bob head out on their adventure. What does it feel like to do something brand new? What is scary about trying something new?

:16 The Minions watch a commercial for Villain-Con. The Minions want to follow someone who is a villain, which means they are evil. While this movie is pretty silly when it comes to evil things, it’s important to know there are serious things that are evil that you should know, too. What do you think the world “evil” means?

Parent resource: How to Talk to Your Kids About Satan/Evil.

:27 Scarlett Overkill is introduced and says, “doesn’t it feel so good to be bad?”. Jeremiah 17:9 explains our hearts are deceitful and wicked. Psalm 14:3 says that all people do bad things. Romans 1:25 explains that people don’t believe in the truth of God and instead believe a lie: a lie that something other than God’s plan and rules for our life will bring us the most joy. We should always believe God’s plan over our own, even if it feels really good to do whatever we want. Does it ever feel good to do bad things? Why do you choose to do things that you know are naughty?

:46 The queen explains that “gentlemen do not steal”. She’s right! The Bible explains that we are supposed to run away from evil and do good. "Turn from evil and do good, and you will live in the land forever. For the Lord loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly” (Psalm 37:27-28). What are some ways you can run away from evil and do good?

:50 Bob becomes king. What would you do if you became King? What new laws would you put into place?

:55 The minions go to jail. Even though the minions’ bad behavior appeared to pay off in the beginning (they did successfully steal the queen’s crown), they eventually had to pay the consequences for their actions. Our bad choices always catch up to us and it NEVER pays off to try to get away with sinning. Lying, cheating, stealing, and hurting others is NEVER worth it. God is aware of every good and bad thing we do (Pro 15:3) and he will one day make everything right (Rev 21:4). Can you think of a bad choice that you made and actually got away with it?

1:14 Kevin sacrifices himself for all of his friends. Jesus also made a choice to sacrifice Himself for us, except he never did anything wrong. Jesus saw that we were in danger, and that we would’ve been separated from God forever because of our mistakes, and he chose to give himself up so that we can be made righteous. What would’ve happened if Kevin didn’t swallow the rocket? Why do you think he made the difficult decision to sacrifice himself?

1:16 The queen forgives the minions, even though they had done mean things to her before. Colossians 3:13 tells us to “make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." Is there anyone in your life who has done mean things to you that you can forgive? Even if they don’t deserve it?