It is so cool - a giant minion!\r
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Minions is a 2015 American 3D computer-animated family comedy film,[8] serving as a spin-off/prequel to the Despicable Me franchise. Produced by Illumination Entertainment for Universal Pictures, it was directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda, written by Brian Lynch, and produced by Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy.[9] The film stars Coffin (as the Minions), Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton, Allison Janney, and Steve Coogan, and is narrated by Geoffrey Rush. It was first foreshadowed in the end credits of Despicable Me 2, where Kevin, Stuart, and Bob, three of the Minions, are seen auditioning for the film.[10]\r
Minions had its premiere on June 11, 2015, in Leicester Square, London, and went into general release in the United States on July 10, 2015. [11] Critical response was mixed: some critics praised the comedic aspects of the film and the performances of Bullock and Hamm,[12] while others felt that the titular characters were not able to carry the film on their own, and that the villains were flatly characterized. The film has grossed over $1.1 billion worldwide (outgrossing both Despicable Me films), making it the 10th highest-grossing film of all time, the 2nd highest-grossing animated film, and the highest-grossing non-Disney animated film.[13]\r
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A Christmas tree is a decorated tree, usually an evergreen conifer such as spruce, pine, or fir or an artificial tree of similar appearance, associated with the celebration of Christmas.\r
The custom of the Christmas tree developed in early modern Germany (where it is today called Weihnachtsbaum or Christbaum or Tannenbaum) with predecessors that can be traced to the 16th and possibly 15th century, in which devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes.[1][2] It acquired popularity beyond Germany during the second half of the 19th century, at first among the upper classes.[3]\r
The tree was traditionally decorated with edibles such as apples, nuts, or other foods. In the 18th century, it began to be illuminated by candles which were ultimately replaced by Christmas lights after the advent of electrification. Today, there are a wide variety of traditional ornaments, such as garland, tinsel, and candy canes. An angel or star might be placed at the top of the tree to represent the archangel Gabriel or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity.[4][5]\r
The Christmas tree has also been known as the Yule-tree, especially in discussions of its folkloric origins.[6][7][8]\r