Review: Despicable Me 2

Despicable Me 2

• Starring: the vocal talents of Steve Carell (Horton Hears a Who), Kristen Wiig (How To Train Your Dragon), Benjamin Bratt (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs) and more.
• Directed by: Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud (The Lorax)
• Synopsis: “Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s worldwide blockbuster, “Despicable Me,” delighted audiences around the globe in 2010, grossing more than $540 million and becoming the 10th-biggest animated motion picture in U.S. history. In Summer 2013, get ready for more minion madness in “Despicable Me 2.” Chris Meledandri and his acclaimed filmmaking team create an all-new comedy animated adventure featuring the return of Gru (Steve Carell), the girls, the unpredictably hilarious minions… and a host of new and outrageously funny characters.”
• Rated: Rated PG for mildly rude humor.
• Must-Watch Trailer:

• Review:

When I first learned that there would be a sequel to one of my surprise favorite animated films of 2010, this is how I felt:

I absolutely loved Despicable Me and all it had going for it: comedy, cool gadgets, charm and more. Would its sequel stand up to the plate and meet the same level of expected entertainment? Hit the jump to read my thoughts on Despicable Me 2.

What happens in the daily life of an “retired” criminal mastermind with the drive, innovation and tenacity of Pinky and the Brain turned family man?

Well, Gru and his army of hilarious yellow minions return in this delightful sequel that is far from despicable. This time around, instead of scheming to become the greatest villain, Gru is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to help save the world from the threat of a new powerful super criminal. With the vocal talent of Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Russell Brand, Benjamin Bratt, Russell Brand, Al Pacino and more, this second adventure with “the greatest villain of all time” with an accent is fun for the family and fans of the first.

The challenge with any sequel lies in introducing new characters and plots all the while maintaining the charm and allure of its predecessor. While Despicable Me 2 brings the same level of fun, excitement and colorful animation as the first it does not quite match up to the first film’s level, especially in terms of tugging at the heartstrings. (Don’t misunderstand me, I am not saying it lacks completely, just that it is not at the same level as the first.) Still, full of cute moments and tons of hilarious sequences featuring either Gru, the minions or the girls, Despicable Me 2 continues the stories of the characters’ lives in this chapter appropriately.

Gru, now a family man, faces different challenges that come with that territory and it is his journey, once again, that remains the fun focus of this sequel as we are now vested in all the characters.

A mixture of themes including relationships, romance, childhood and family surprisingly balances this animated film and once again targets audiences of all ages. The minions, never too far from the screen, definitely provide plenty of the comic relief (No complaint there as the studios gear up for the 2014 Minions movie.). Filled with lovable characters, hilarious antics and believable emotions, Despicable Me 2 hits the mark on so many levels. I loved all of the little elements that it brought back from the original one, making it even a bit more fun. Lacking mainly in moments as sweet as the first film and a viable villain to boot, Despicable Me 2 is still definitely worth a watch…or two.

It is a bit predictable? Sure. It is a bit goofy? At times? Is it a blast to watch? You betcha. Will all ages enjoy it? Undoubtedly so. Should you go see it?…Why are you not at the theaters already? 😉

Fly to your nearest theater to see Despicable Me 2.

My Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars for Despicable Me 2

(Remember, to read this review of mine and over 250 more, check out THE ARCHIVE of movies I have reviewed anytime. Know before you go…or rent…or buy!)

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Thanks for reading! Happy Watching!

–T, The Focused Filmographer