While Despicable Me 4 may not have the same verve as the first, the franchise has morphed into something more since the 2010 original. The immensely successful animated series has spawned sequels, prequels, television series, holiday specials, shorts, and even video game adaptations. Now, the fourth film arrives just in time for this American holiday season.
The main character has not only found his soul but has wholly transformed Gru into a family man with an immense, warm heart. That alone makes Despicable Me 4 the animated family film of the summer. Then, along with its unique sense of humor and beloved minions, it continues to steal the show, for better or worse.
Despicable Me 4 Review and Synopsis
The fourth installment of the beloved Illumination animated films continues its story with Gru (Steve Carell) working for the Anti-Villain League (AVL) and is on the hunt. Gru attends a 1985 alumni event at his alma mater, Lycée Pas Bon, nestled in the ominous highlands. Gru’s former nemesis, Maxime (Will Ferrell), is awarded the Best Pupil award, and Gru’s foe is about to make a statement.
Maxime, accompanied by Valentina (Sofía Vergara), has transformed himself by incorporating the powers of a cockroach (you read that right). Gru takes him down while working undercover for the AVL. However, director Silas Ramsbottom (Steve Coogan) informs him and Lucy (Kristen Wiig) that Maxime has escaped his maximum-security prison, and they will be placed in witness protection.
Despicable Me 4 is Very Funny and Sweet
Chris Renaud directs his fourth Despicable Me film, a rarity for someone to stick with a franchise for so long. Working with a script from the great Mike White (The White Lotus) and Ken Daurio (The Secret Life of Pets), the film is not only hilarious but also full of love and levity. In fact, the latest installment is the most grounded yet.
Miranda Cosgrove returns as Margo, but much of her time is taken away by the addition of Joey King’s Poppie, who wants to become a supervillain like Gru. My minor complaint is that this storyline is enlarged for the bigger star in King, who detracts from the three-daughter dynamic. However, there are some big laughs with the addition of Gru, Jr., who doesn’t take a liking to his father.
Is Despicable Me 4 Worth Watching?
Of course, Despicable Me 4 is worth watching for those darn little Minions (voiced by the riotous Pierre Coffin). There’s a hilarious running gag with a minion and a vending machine. Also, the introduction of the “Mega-Minions” is uproarious, given their varying personalities and talents. While the subplot feels like two different movies in one, the script brings the storylines together nicely.
I will say that the Despicable Me franchise has always been humor-oriented toward adults, and the visuals and cute creatures are amusing for children. When the humor and action lag in a few spots, the script ingeniously inserts well-placed Minion gags that always manage to keep the audience engaged, especially the kids.
That’s okay because it makes the animated film another mindfully considerate and kind entry for the entire family, even if Gru is losing some of his irreverent edge. However, as long as the series continues to deliver doses of those Looney Tunes-inspired Minions, the franchise will keep both adults and children happy for years to come.
You can watch Despicable Me 4 only in theaters on July 4th.
7/10
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