Although not a complete failure to launch (thanks primarily to the charisma and energy of Johansson), neither does it have the thrust to make it into orbit.

More of a big screen cartoon than a legitimate animated feature, this sixth outing for Gru and his Minion cohorts shows how overextended the franchise has become.

The first chapter of a multi-episode cinematic epic hints at potential greatness if not quite reaching that pinnacle on its own.

This works effectively as a stand-alone film and part of a larger story, and finds a way to extend the "Quiet Place" concept without feeling redundant.

This is solid, middle-of-the-road Pixar, not quite as good as some of their better sequels but superior to the "Cars" follow-ups.

Ironically for something titled "The Watchers," this production lacks the basic quality of watchability.