Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Low-budget minion comedy is funny—but gunny.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Villains Inc.
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
VILLAINS INC. follows a trio of supervillain minions (Mallory Everton, Colin Mochrie, Jason Gray) who strike out on their own after the baddie they serve dies. But when their intern (Billy Mann) invents a mind-control device, they become the targets of an even greater villain.
Is It Any Good?
Taking the "minions" concept further than Gru's banana-esque animated crew, the folks behind Studio C (and a few other friends) prove that henchperson humor can be hilarious. Villains Inc. is an over-the-top, ludicrous comedy that's similar to what tweens and teens are likely already used to from other comedic actors with origins in sketch comedy, from Ben Stiller and Kristen Wiig to Will Ferrell.
While the movie proves that "low budget" doesn't necessarily mean "low enjoyment," Villains Inc.'s modest production values are incredibly evident and may have an impact on the story's credibility. Even tweens will notice the dollar store costumes and the iffy CGI effects—but that "play-acting" feeling also signals that nothing here is to be taken seriously. Of course, the silliness then makes it all the more shocking when characters whip out and shoot what look like (at least to kids) real guns, including scary semiautomatics. The folks behind this film are known for touting "clean" comedy, but all the heavy artillery is off the mark.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Villains Inc. has to say about the relationship between pop culture "heroes" and selling items. Are there any products you buy because a celebrity you like endorses it?
Why is it important to portray "evil" characters as anti-aspirational? How is this achieved in comedy versus drama? What is the risk of depicting criminals as likable or successful?
There's almost no profanity in the film—did you notice that (or miss it)? Why do you think so many filmmakers choose to include strong language?
How do the henchpeople demonstrate teamwork? Why is that an important life skill?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 19, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : August 16, 2024
- Cast : Mallory Everton , Colin Mochrie , Jason Gray , Billy Mann
- Director : Jeremy Warner
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Purdie Distribution
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Superheroes
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and brief drug material
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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