Review: 75583 Minions and Gru's Family Mansion
Posted by CapnRex101,
Befitting his ostentatious villainy, Gru resides in a spectacular mansion, inexplicably constructed among normal suburban homes. 75583 Minions and Gru's Family Mansion conveys the towering architecture of this location, albeit with dubious external detail.
On the other hand, the interior features various memorable details from throughout the Despicable Me series, while the minifigure selection is outstanding. Nearly the entire family is included, plus three exclusive Minions, so this is an extremely appealing prospect for fans of Despicable Me.
Summary
75583 Minions and Gru's Family Mansion, 868 pieces.
£89.99 / $99.99 / €99.99 | 10.4p/11.5c/11.5c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Gru's mansion is impressive, but there was potential for something even better
- Highly detailed interior
- Accurate architectural style
- Exceptional minifigure selection
- Great play value
- Exterior lacks detail
- Missed chance for more functions
- Treehouse is perhaps unnecessary
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
Certain animated characters are poorly suited to minifigure proportions and Gru is an example, after appearing twice in the Minions: The Rise of Gru range. A minifigure cannot recreate Gru's slender legs and his distinctive nose is missing altogether, so maybe this was an opportunity to use a specialised piece, equivalent to the Pinocchio Collectable Minifigure.
However, I am pleased Gru's scarf is now represented by a physical piece, rather than printed, so his shoulders seem hunched, as in the films. Lucy, meanwhile, wears a printed scarf and a medium azure dress. Although recognisable as her attire onscreen, I think a skirt component or dual-moulded legs were necessary here. Lucy's vibrant hair looks superb though and I like her double-sided head, with sunglasses on the reverse.
Gru Jr. joins the family in Despicable Me 4, showing an obvious disregard for Gru in the trailer for the movie! This figure uses the typical baby element, which has not appeared in light bluish grey before and works well, albeit lacking his tiny scarf. The head is also unique and looks very friendly, so is clearly reacting to Lucy. Perhaps another head with a more detached expression could have been supplied too.
The family's three adopted children are also provided, beginning with the eldest, Margo. I am surprised and disappointed that the designers chose not to use medium legs for Margo, given her age. Also, this was another occasion where a skirt element could have been effective. The torso looks splendid though, reflecting the character's updated attire in the new film.
Short legs are appropriate for Edith, but I am not convinced by the use of dark pink, as black would be more accurate. Otherwise, her clothing closely resembles the original character and the dual-moulded hat and hair element originating from Friends works well, even though Edith's hair should be shorter. Short of creating a new piece, this was the best solution.
Agnes completes the trio and her hairstyle also represents a compromise, but I think the only alternative would have been a unique element, as with Edith. Agnes' pale blue dungarees and yellow shirt correspond with her typical attire from the films and her double-sided head looks as adorable as one would hope. Edith's two smiling expressions are perfect too, but I wish Margo had included a sceptical or frustrated design on one side.
Despicable Me 4 introduces the Mega Minions, who are seemingly imbued with superpowers. Mega Minion Tim is one such character and has stretching abilities, so features flexible arms, similar to the existing Ms. Marvel and Elastigirl minifigures. However, these arms are formed by a flame yellowish orange hose with new hands attached to either end, differing from the other stretching characters.
The function of the arms remains fundamentally the same though, able to pass through Tim's body, as though one arm is growing longer and the other shorter. They are quite flexible and I love the new hands, which seem remarkably versatile. The stretching of Tim's head is also fun, comprising three printed 2x2 round bricks, with a standard Minion head on top.
Mega Minion Mel has changed less dramatically than Tim, relative to his standard version in 75581 Minions' Music Party Bus. Mel wears an elongated eyepiece and the character's flame yellowish orange costume is interesting, mirroring most of the other Mega Minions and leaving only his mouth visible. In addition, his overalls are decorated with the Mega Minions' emblem.
Of all the Minions introduced in these sets, Mega Minion Jerry is undoubtedly the most eye-catching. The figure comprises two new elements, so Jerry is evidently bigger than his fellow Minions and covered with a rocky texture, which looks fantastic. Furthermore, the angry facial expression is distinctive, so this Minion appears perpetually furious.
The Completed Model
Gru's mansion is immediately recognisable from the outside, thanks to its exaggerated gothic proportions and sombre colours. The steep roof slopes look excellent and the building is quite substantial, measuring 27cm in height. Even so, some features are omitted to keep this design compact, as there should be a second dormer window beneath the chimney, for instance.
Also, the entrance should be elevated, with a staircase leading up. I am surprised this feature was simplified, as raising the front door could have improved the internal layout. The windows on either side are appealing though and purple was an attractive colour choice, brightening the house, without it becoming garish.
The reddish orange leaves scattered around the base are helpful too, in that regard. A mailbox is found on one side, while the cavernous garage appears on the other. Obviously, this is much too small for any of Gru's huge vehicles, but perhaps a suitably-sized Minion vehicle could have been housed inside the garage, so it was actually functional. Even a tiny buggy would suffice.
The tall window above the porch should be more prominent, so I wish this was constructed to project from the wall. Not only could that help with the proportions of the window, it would also enhance the texture on the facade. The reddish brown drainpipe looks good, but the brickwork leaves a lot to be desired because the walls are completely smooth in places.
However, the stickered circular window is accurate to the movies and shows a Minion waving from inside, while the angular roof is attractive. I like the reddish brown pieces along the inner edges and the tiled areas are welcome, breaking up the studded texture. The building is rather shallow though, so parts of the interior remain visible when viewing Gru's house from outside.
In stark contrast with the dark facade, the interior is stunningly colourful. Plenty of memorable features from the movies are included, spanning both the basement and the living area above. There is no space for an actual basement though, so the area where Gru and the Minions work on developing new equipment instead occupies the ground floor.
This arrangement is not ideal, with the front door leading directly into the basement laboratory, but this is not apparent from the outside and the purple door looks reasonable inside. The tiled floor looks great and I like the computer monitors, which mirror the retro style of Gru's laboratory during the films. As expected, these monitors use stickers.
Although space is limited, the designer has cleverly mounted the columns beside the entrance on turntables, so there is room for furniture and accessories on all sides. A toilet is essential, of course, with a 2x1x1 Technic panel forming a roll of toilet paper, while the other column includes clips for a radio and an unknown weapon. One of the Minions' carts is also supplied.
Turning the columns reveals a water cooler, featured in the original film, as well as a box with two printed biscuits inside. I imagine these are actually Dr. Nefario's cookie robots, also taken from the first movie. More equipment is located behind the toilet and I like the radiation symbol found above these accessories, highlighting the dangerous environment! Thankfully, a ladder allows characters to climb to the next floor.
Following the ladder, we reach the living room. Gru's rotating chair appears suitably imposing, with decorative axes attached to the wall, which is actually just the back of the roof slope. The alternating tan and medium nougat tiles look perfect and the stove helps to obscure a brace for the floor above, while also connecting to the aforementioned chimney.
Unfortunately, there is no staircase between this area and the sitting room. Instead, a flexible pearl silver hose crosses the gap and continues into the basement, which is a welcome detail, but not particularly useful for play. I wonder whether a folding staircase could have been added, perhaps with an option to move and join the sitting room with either room underneath.
I wish this room was more spacious, as Gru's magnificent crocodile settee has been reduced to a more conventional design. The designer has made efficient use of the available space though, including a small coffee table, a light fixture and a portrait on the wall. This painting displays Gru and the girls, with the family's mysterious 'dog', Kyle, in the corner.
The blue, red and yellow Technic pieces supporting the roof panels are awkward and should have been covered. However, other structural features, such as the 2x4x5 angled stanchions beneath the sitting room, arguably work well because Gru's home onscreen is filled with similar industrial features. The girls' bedroom is an excellent example, with beds made from bombs!
Even though there is only room for one of these beds, I am glad it was included. The classic bomb shape looks brilliant and there is just enough room for a character with short legs to lie down inside. In addition, some of Agnes' drawings are pinned to the wall, featuring her original unicorn toy and Lucky, a single-horned goat Agnes initially believes to be a real unicorn.
A treehouse accompanies the mansion, based on a scene from Despicable Me 3, in which the girls prepare a Hawaiian meal for Gru and Lucy. Personally, I would rather these elements had been devoted to expanding and improving the house, but adding a second structure is probably better for play, which is paramount. Also, this treehouse provides a colourful counterpart to the mansion on display.
Before reaching the treehouse, a smaller model is also provided and serves as the base of the zip-line. The decorative Tiki statues are reasonably detailed and flank a pair of stickered drums, played by two Hula-attired Minions in the film. There is space to place a minifigure behind these drums and the Hawaiian theming is clear, extending to a surfboard placed on the side.
The treehouse itself measures 15cm in height and the connected zip-line works perfectly. The medium nougat 21L flexible hose is very flexible, as the name suggests, so you can rearrange the two structures without having to separate them. I like the garland of flowers wrapped around the base and the flaming torches look nice as well.
However, most of the detail is focused on the upper level, where lime green 1x1 round bricks and stickers form bamboo sticks. I like the added lime green and bright green pieces here, as they give the impression of a little more foliage. Furthermore, the dining area looks superb and includes two bowls, presumably containing Agnes' meat and gummy bear soup.
The lanterns hanging from the tree correspond with the movie and introduce some more colour. These and the flaming torches are visible from each side of the treehouse, although the back is otherwise lacking in detail. I am surprised the designer did not take advantage of the hollow tree trunk to include another reference, such as one of the books from the first Despicable Me film.
Overall
When the Minions theme was introduced in 2020, many people noted the potential of a model inspired by Gru's house. After all, the mansion has a spectacular exterior and offers enormous scope for functions inside. While not fulfilling every opportunity from the source material, 75583 Minions and Gru's Family Mansion is definitely an enjoyable set, nevertheless.
The silhouette of the mansion is impressive and the interior looks marvellous on the whole, but limited space restricts the variety of functions. The minifigure selection is near-faultless though, offering all the essential characters from the Despicable Me franchise, as well as some unique Minions from the new film. Based only on the size of the model, £89.99, $99.99 or €99.99 feels expensive, but with so many figures included, it becomes a little more palatable.
88 likes
47 comments on this article
Gotta get my comment in before they force the review to be taken down for speaking about mega minions!
The interior or rather the reverse looks overcrowded. It feels like the set should have had a back on a hinge to allow for more features and create more of an effect, as the front seems very shallow.
Reminds me of 10275.
Missed opportunity to do the Jabba's Palace (9516 ) and Rancor Pit (75005 ) two-set set-up for the lab underneath--some may want just the house, others just the lab, others both--would have made Lego more and made for much more accurate set-ups.
I also agree about the Pinocchio nose being another huge missed opportunity.
walnut minion
@DaLegoNerd1 said:
"walnut minion"
Cannot unsee that now, and I almost spit out my soda laughing at your comment.
Is there a reason for the weird outline around the minion minifigures' mouths?
Kind of wish they put the parts from the side builds into the house to bulk it out a little more, but I'm fine with it. It's a kids' movie; it's a kids' set.
Anyone else immediately think about using that grey baby figure for Mini-Me?
@TheEpicLuke said:
"Is there a reason for the weird outline around the minion minifigures' mouths?"
Other toys from the film indicate that the 'Mega Minions' are slightly darker orange but with a little space for their mouth, around which is the regular colour. Like a weird full body wetsuit (or fetish gear).
Despicable
Eh, another one of those colorful house facades stuffed with detail. Would prefer a more substantial building.
@ao_ka said:
"Despicable"
Me.
I think the interior looks a bit cluttered and messy honestly.
That one Minion looks more like a lemon than a walnut to me.
Think this is the kinda set I don't feel much for as an adult, but childhood would've been all *over* back in the day - whooooole lotta stuff in the back to play about with an act out with 'figs, may not be the greatest display piece in the world but some really properly good toy design at play there.
Just seems like a completely unfinished building to me. They built the front façade and then just glued miscellaneous things onto the back and are trying to sell it off as a "house". There isn't even a hint of side walls! It's just a jumbled mess. Sorry, I don't think this is a very good effort.
This one gets my vote for ‘best set that doesn’t interest me’.
Maybe that should be an end of year category @Huw?
It wouldn't be this difficult to create a more faithful Gru Minifigure. The more expensive alternative could have been something like Dr. Eggman or just simply use the elongated Woody/Avatar legs, maybe give him the longer arms too.
Only Agnes (the youngest) should have the shortest legs, using the mid-length legs for the other two girls would have been more fitting in my opinion.
Based on what I've heard about recolours and making new elements I feel everything from this range went into new Minions, which makes sense given their popularity... still wish the figures for the humans got more love.
@ao_ka said:
"Despicable"
Desbrickable
Minions sets always look so cursed, like some bootleg Lego or Mega Bloks line.
@ao_ka said:
"Despicable"
I love a good Daffy Duck reference in the morning. ;-P (Except this is early afternoon, now...)
It reminds me of the bad batch shuttle most of the key characters and a small main build with side builds.
@cofaigh said:
" @TheEpicLuke said:
"Is there a reason for the weird outline around the minion minifigures' mouths?"
Other toys from the film indicate that the 'Mega Minions' are slightly darker orange but with a little space for their mouth, around which is the regular colour. Like a weird full body wetsuit (or fetish gear)."
They’re super suits. Each of the Mega minions are parodies of particular superheroes (In this case, Mr Fantastic, Cyclops, and The Thing). The other two not in this set are parodies of The Hulk and Batman (Banana cowl instead of a bat cowl).
Minifig Gru without a nose doesn't work.
All the Despicable Me 4 sets from this year are an easy pass for me.
@Lordmoral said:
" @ao_ka said:
"Despicable"
Me.
"
4.
I like this, and will surely get it on a discount.
Unfortunately, I also agree with everything in the thorough review. Too bad the main house wasn't given more substance and detail. Also, the absence of one family member is downright nefarious!
Are the arms pneumatic hose? Or something different?
Honestly, I feel like Pinocchio is enough Otherwise Normal Minifig Heads But With Noses for one lifetime. I will accept Noseless Gru as a consequence of this.
@Andrusi said:
"Honestly, I feel like Pinocchio is enough Otherwise Normal Minifig Heads But With Noses for one lifetime. I will accept Noseless Gru as a consequence of this."
Don't forget the Avatars. I think they would've looked better without the schnozes.
@StyleCounselor said:
"I like this, and will surely get it on a discount.
Unfortunately, I also agree with everything in the thorough review. Too bad the main house wasn't given more substance and detail. Also, the absence of one family member is downright nefarious!"
Dr. Nefario doesn't appear to be in the film, thus explaining his absence. Possibly to do with Russell Brand's fall from grace and decisions not to recast.
@8BrickMario said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
"I like this, and will surely get it on a discount.
Unfortunately, I also agree with everything in the thorough review. Too bad the main house wasn't given more substance and detail. Also, the absence of one family member is downright nefarious!"
Dr. Nefario doesn't appear to be in the film, thus explaining his absence. Possibly to do with Russell Brand's fall from grace and decisions not to recast."
Eeew! I had no idea that Brand was the nefarious voice behind Nefario. Sad that they couldn't rehab the later as there is definitely no rehabbing the former.
@SuperSith said:
" @cofaigh said:
" @TheEpicLuke said:
"Is there a reason for the weird outline around the minion minifigures' mouths?"
Other toys from the film indicate that the 'Mega Minions' are slightly darker orange but with a little space for their mouth, around which is the regular colour. Like a weird full body wetsuit (or fetish gear)."
They’re super suits. Each of the Mega minions are parodies of particular superheroes (In this case, Mr Fantastic, Cyclops, and The Thing). The other two not in this set are parodies of The Hulk and Batman (Banana cowl instead of a bat cowl)."
The Banantastic Five?
I wonder if the reason they all have short legs is so that any one of them can fit in the bed. If I were to get this (which I'm not planning to, humorous juxtaposition possibilities with 43217 notwithstanding), I'd replace Margo's legs with the ones from one of my extra copies of 71032-5, since that would still leave either of the other two able to sleep there, and the artwork on the walls suggests it may be Agnes' bed anyway. Also, Mega Minion Tim has stretchy capabilities, Mega Minion has a rocky skin texture, and once again I am left wanting Fantastic Four sets. maybe the MCU will give us a FF movie...
benbuildslego said:"Anyone else immediately think about using that grey baby figure for Mini-Me?"
Paging @AustinPowers, @AustinPowers, white courtesy phone, please.
@SuperSith said:
" @cofaigh said:
" @TheEpicLuke said:
"Is there a reason for the weird outline around the minion minifigures' mouths?"
Other toys from the film indicate that the 'Mega Minions' are slightly darker orange but with a little space for their mouth, around which is the regular colour. Like a weird full body wetsuit (or fetish gear)."
They’re super suits. Each of the Mega minions are parodies of particular superheroes (In this case, Mr Fantastic, Cyclops, and The Thing). The other two not in this set are parodies of The Hulk and Batman (Banana cowl instead of a bat cowl)."
Approximately 97 percent of superhero costumes can be described as “weird full body wetsuits or fetish gear.” The other three percent are ‘90s characters with trench coats, shoulder pads and/or an excess of pouches. Which I suppose might also be someone’s idea of fetish gear. So let’s say 100 percent.
@ForestMenOfEndor:
Trenchcoat superheroes long predate the 90's. Rather than try to type them all out, I'll just leave this here:
https://list.fandom.com/wiki/Trench_coats_in_popular_culture
great buy when it drops to $50, like the BTS set.
@ForestMenOfEndor said:
" @SuperSith said:
" @cofaigh said:
" @TheEpicLuke said:
"Is there a reason for the weird outline around the minion minifigures' mouths?"
Other toys from the film indicate that the 'Mega Minions' are slightly darker orange but with a little space for their mouth, around which is the regular colour. Like a weird full body wetsuit (or fetish gear)."
They’re super suits. Each of the Mega minions are parodies of particular superheroes (In this case, Mr Fantastic, Cyclops, and The Thing). The other two not in this set are parodies of The Hulk and Batman (Banana cowl instead of a bat cowl)."
Approximately 97 percent of superhero costumes can be described as “weird full body wetsuits or fetish gear.” The other three percent are ‘90s characters with trench coats, shoulder pads and/or an excess of pouches. Which I suppose might also be someone’s idea of fetish gear. So let’s say 100 percent."
Absofucklutely! Well put.
ANother Lego building with barrely place to actually play 3/10 as it looks good in front.
Gru is a major character but I would never guess that was him if the minifig was separated from the set. They should have done molded heads, Simpsons style.
@PurpleDave said:
" @ForestMenOfEndor:
Trenchcoat superheroes long predate the 90's. Rather than try to type them all out, I'll just leave this here:
https://list.fandom.com/wiki/Trench_coats_in_popular_culture"
I crunched the numbers. Superhero costumes are 100 percent fetish gear. Weird full body wetsuits comprise 94 percent of the costumes. Two percent are the pre-‘90s trench coat mafia you’ve identified, four percent are shoulder pad/pouch people, and an overlapping two percent are ‘90s characters who wear trench coats over their wetsuits. We call them “Gambits.”
@ForestMenOfEndor:
The Blob? Ch’p?
I don't get the conclusion as the reviewer note many problems with the whole set.
My impression is that this huge ip needed much more and better than this pathetic effort.
@ForestMenOfEndor said:
" @PurpleDave said:
" @ForestMenOfEndor:
Trenchcoat superheroes long predate the 90's. Rather than try to type them all out, I'll just leave this here:
https://list.fandom.com/wiki/Trench_coats_in_popular_culture"
I crunched the numbers. Superhero costumes are 100 percent fetish gear. Weird full body wetsuits comprise 94 percent of the costumes. Two percent are the pre-‘90s trench coat mafia you’ve identified, four percent are shoulder pad/pouch people, and an overlapping two percent are ‘90s characters who wear trench coats over their wetsuits. We call them “Gambits.”"
The problem with this entire discussion thread is that all clothing is fetish gear eventually.
I always wanted a LEGO Gru 's house , and finnally LEGO released it.
the mega tim skipped arm day