Despicable Me

Jeri Jacquin, Movie Maven

Opening in theatres this Friday from directors Pierre Coffin and Chris Melandri with Universal Pictures is a look at “Despicable Me”.

This film tells the story of Gru (Steve Carell), the worlds number two supervillan, Vector (Jason Segel) would be number one in case you are wondering and is Gru’s archenemy. However, to take over the world you need an army of minions!

Gru decides he must pull of the biggest heist - to steal the moon. At the Bank of Evil he tries to get a loan to help build his ship to the moon, but the bank wants collateral – specifically the shrink ray invented by Vector. 

But life introduces him to three orphans, Edith (Dana Greir), Margo (Miranda Cosgrove) and Agnes (Elsie Fisher) and Gru adopts them in order to pursue his twisted, sorta kinda evil plan.

As the minions and Dr. Nefario work to build the moon ship, Gru is being worked over by the girls. Trying to avoid much contact, Gru is quickly taken over by the girls as he rethinks his evil plans. That is until Dr. Nefario stands his ground and reminds him that he is an evil scientist – not a Daddy.

Gru comes to terms with who he really is and who he really wants to be.

FINAL WORD: Carell is playing his usual loveable self even if he is trying to hide it behind the guise of a mad scientist. Believe it or not even his “evil “ inventions are not so evil! He has a heart of pure mush period.

Brand is very funny as Dr. Nefario but who would expect any less. He’s on a roll! Hot off his film “Get Him to the Greek”, Brand is the ‘it’ guy. Segel as Vector is a goofy evil villain who seems to be looking for approval from daddy.

The scene-stealers here are the kids, especially the littlest Elsie Fisher. The interaction between Gru and Agnes is so adorable that even the coldest of hearts would melt.

Other cast include the voices of: Wil Arnett as Mr. Perkins, Ken Jeong as the Scientist, Kristen Wiig as Miss Hattie, Danny McBride as Fred McDade, Jermaine Clement as Tim, and Ms. Julie Andrews as Gru’s Mother.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give “Despicable Me” three and a half tubs of popcorn out of five. Of course it’s a totally predictable animated film and that being said it has a huge “awwwwwww’ factor laced with massive amounts of cuteness and sprinkled with kid at heart giggles.

The kids will love the minions, as they are little pranksters and full of fun. There is actually humor here for adults to enjoy and a story that it relatable for everyone. Although this film is being offered in 3D I will say it again and again – it is not necessary!

Animated films are huge this year and, more importantly, they are good! “Despicable Me” is another well done fun animated film that should do very well for the family crowd.

In the end – the battle for world domination is on!