Illumination Entertainment's Animated Films (2007-present)

The first film released by IEA. And a big bang to start with. Like Pixar with Toy Story, their first film ended up being their first franchise. In this case, IEA's only franchise. But when I say start with a bang, I mean it. Making over 500 million in the box office, and for a first time film that is outstanding. This company had a better start then both Pixar and DreamWorks. And I think we have another legitament animation company to come in and make some noise in the animated world. Welcome IEA.

What goes up must come down. After a first time smash hit from Despicable Me, IEA thought a holiday based movie would be a good idea to start next. But unlike DreamWork's Rise of the Guardians where it is unique and clever. This just tries to be cute and funny, but stupidly cute and funny which doesn't work with the general public. And this film had a major drop-off in the box office compared to Despicable Me making only 184 million dollars. Thats it! This is currently IEA's worst film. Hopefully they won't be this bad again, because we need more film companies like this.

At least this wasn't as bad as Cat in the Hat, or How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Nonetheless, this does have its issues. Considering the reputation of Dr. Suess' books being transformed into film has been shakened. But this is in the middle-of-the-road not a great film or a bad film, just ok. This made more then Hop with almost 350 million.

If IEA was trying to make the next Toy Story in terms of overall mass, they'd have to do a better job then this. The franchise certainly had that potential if done right. It this point people were noticing the popularity of the minions as they are now the major driving force for the film/s. I'm not a big fan of them, but I can see why they're such a sensation to others. Also the money for IEA has skyrocketed making a total of almost 1 billion dollars, making exactly 971 million dollars. Boy, this is a real money-maker, and the next film will prove that even more.

This film made 1.118 billion dollars!!!!!! The third animated film to pass this milestone after Toy Story 3 and Frozen. This time the film is all about the minions, and how they find work. Its a fun and cute adventure with the little bananas with feet. But the film does lack a good story, as it just focuses on the goofiness of the minions.

Perhaps the best film by Illumination, but that’s not saying much. The story is well done with some heartfelt moments and dramatic elements which I can respect and take seriously. On the other hand the character animation bothered me and their were too many characters to care about.

A new and original film about what really happens when our pets are alone at home. Again, a very childish film with many moments on low-brow humor. A film made by Illumination with the same running theme of colorful and yet childish films this is no exception. Can we consider Illumination as a film company to take seriously like Disney or DreamWorks? To me, no. Like Blue Sky they have the same formula that is profitable. But a profitable film is different from good film. DreamWorks and Disney make good or great films that are profitable and films that have layers like How to Train Your Dragon or Zootopia. This is just another example of why animation isn't token as seriously as it should.

The second film in Illumination’s lineup to cross the billion dollar mark. Has it deserved it up to this point? To me, no. The only reason this franchise is as sustainable as it is has to do with the minions. But hey, they hit the jackpot with those things, so can’t really blame them.

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