“A FILM FOR MILLIONS OF MINIONS”
Starring the voices of: Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, Will Arnett, Danny McBride, Jack McBrayer and Julie Andrews
Directed by: Chris Renaud & Pierre Coffin
MPAA Rating: PG for rude humor and mild action
Genre: Animated, Comedy, 3D
Release date: July 9th, 2010
Studio: Universal
By John Delia
Computer Generated Animation goes to new heights with Despicable Me providing a crisp well lighted 3D that’s equal to Toy Story 3. The storyline in the film is not new, but all the wonderful characters are and that’s what makes Despicable Me a winner. The family oriented feature plays to all levels with adults getting equal share with the kiddies, so you can bring the whole brood to this one.
Gru is an evil baddie (Steve Carell) with a heart filled with the need for diabolic achievement so he can conquer the number one villain spot on Earth. However due to some one-upmanship by his arch nemesis Vector, Gru has remained in the number 2 spot. In order to take over the top position, Gru decides he will perform the greatest despicable feat ever, shrink the moon. When Vector (Jason Segel) gets wind of it however, he develops and evil plan of his own.
It’s villain vs. villain and the voice cast is perfect with Steve Carell providing his offbeat comedy making Gru the bungling evildoer you learn to love. His mother is played by Julie Andrews with a very surprising characterization of the grand old dame. I love Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier and Elsie Fisher who provide the adorable voices of Gru’s three wards Margo, Edith, and Agnes.
The animation here is top notch and the 3D makes it even more fun to watch. Despicable Me, in my estimation, shows what 3D can really do for a film. The medium works well in nearly every scene and kept me mesmerized with the smart uses including a very mind bending roller coaster ride, an air battle between Gru and Vector over the shrink machine, a cool carnival game with a blast ending, and much, much more. Please stay for the movie end credits and see some very funny antics by the Minions.
It’s easy to give an excellent grade to this film because audiences will come away from Despicable Me with more than the price of admission including the extra cost for 3D. In addition to the very funny script that’s loaded with laughter, the film includes an example of never giving up on your dreams, even if it takes three orphans and an evil scientist to get the lesson across.
Putting together an animated film takes a very talented crew and for Despicable Me Directors Chris Renaud (Ice Age: The Meltdown) and Pierre Coffin are able to make this tough challenge a big hit. Their Minions are a riot even with the same shaped bodies they give the impression that each has their own brainless personality. They provide laughter that’s totally off the wall. Renaud and Coffin interject these little characters into most every scene to keep the comedy rolling with never a dull moment.
The movie is rated PG for rude humor and mild action, but nothing most adolescents haven’t already been exposed to on television. The roller coaster ride does provide a queasy feeling much like a real one and there’s a copious amount of gastric gas jokes. Name a kids animated movie without a few potty jokes these days.
FINAL ANALYSIS:Â Despicable Me, a no brainer entertainment choice, even though it features characters without one. (5 of 5)