Each LEGO® Minions set encourages creative fun as children role-play scenes from the Minions: The Rise of Gru movie. Creative fun and a rewarding buildThis awesome set comes with Instructions PLUS, an interactive guide that makes building these models extra fun. Available in the free LEGO Life app for smartphones and tablets, it features tools to help kids build independently. This set proves that LEGO can forge partnerships to create these niche themes and create sets that are fun for kids and adults (the appeal of these kinds of movies). The Trolls theme could've learned a lot from this set. There are thousands of minions but 3 are more famous than the rest, Bob, Kevin, and Stuart. This trio are the focus of the spinoff movies and are the main three in the LEGO sets. The story of how, for LEGO, it turns out there's a bigger super-villian than Gru! At 6c per part this set is also incredibly good value, especially considering the licensing costs and all the new elements. I couldn't believe the PPP when I first saw it and ran the calculation again.

We touched on the minifigure version of the Minions above, but it’s worth highlighting them again. All three are unique versions to this set, and the mix-and-match nature of the parts means you can create several different looks for each. There are extra accessories for each scattered throughout the builds, so there’s plenty of play to be had. One thing I did notice is that in all the product shots Kevin’s hard hat sits neatly atop his head. In reality (and in the instructions) you have to add a 1×1 round plate in between to have it stay on. It creates a very visible gap. So I photographed him here without it, as I was feeling generous, and as it looks pretty stupid with it.

Specifications

Once the character is built, the fun goes on. Kids will love seeing the eyes turn. Then they can explore the intricate room playset inside, using the fun accessories to create their own Minion stories. LEGO is sneaky in that each box allows only two of three of the main characters to be built but it does come with three minion mini figures that is carried inside the larger main minions. For example Kevin has to be dismantled to build Bob. If you have no budget constraints then go for two boxes so that you can have all three main characters simultaneously. Since Bob is so much shorter, there even more pieces left over once you complete this alternate build. While parts of the construction were nearly identical, you still need to take each model almost entirely apart to swap between them. I think that’s a positive feature; you get a sense that there are really three different designs to explore. Each LEGO Minions set encourages creative fun as children role-play scenes from the Minions: The Rise of Gru movie. Makes a great birthday present for kids aged 8 and up who love Minions toys. After playing with their creation, kids will love putting their models on display.

With Instructions PLUS, even younger builders can enjoy a sense of achievement from building independently. Inside the box are five sealed part bags. Interestingly they’re not numbered 1-5 but rather grouped into two batches of “1” and “2”s. I also had a small issue where a smaller interior part bag was heat-sealed into the edge of one of the larger “2” bags, but that was likely just a fluke. Historically we've avoided giving scores for sets, personally I don't usually find them helpful, but I've found it hard to get across a true reflection of this set. I think it would help communicate just how good I think this set is. So for the first (and probably last) time, my score breakdown. Finished Model - 8/10 (Not a 10 only because you can't have all three! I also find the arms weird to pose)These are an absolute must buy for fans of the franchise, they are great display models (I'm keeping Bob and Stuart on my shelf for a while). And should also be high on your list when looking for sets for that age of kid where they're starting to get the hang of more challenging builds but aren't ready for some larger, more complex sets. It was the perfect challenge for my 6 year old but a little too delicate for my 4 year old. However you feel about Minions I guarantee you will have fun building these, especially if you have kids. They are really well designed and adding in some movement really increases the playability. The Minions minifigs are also awesomely designed (even if the heads do look terrifying without the eye tiles on). Inspired by the Minions: The Rise of Gru movie, kids can explore kung fu with Bob, build inventions with Kevin or let Stuart take a nap in his bedroom. AFOL Interest - 3/10 (It doesn't matter how good this set is it simply cannot overcome the subject matter)