Despicable Me
Director: Chris Renaud
Starring: Jason Segel, Kristen Wiig, Russell Brand, Steve Carell, Will Arnett
Details: US/94mins G
Whilst marketing a film on the previous works of its Executive Producer may be staggeringly irrelevant (this aint a Bruckheimer joint), Despicable Me manages to engage, amuse and even evoke the odd "awwww." It's suitably silly set-up is happily contradicted with a barrage of gags aimed towards more mature audience members. Also, the cute-factor hasn't been this far off the scale since Boo melted hearts in Monsters Inc. a few years back. "It's SOOOO fluffy."
Steve Carrell voices one of the world's most dastardly villains, Gru. He's hell-bent on becoming top dog and needs a loan from the bank to fund his next plan - stealing the moon. But he has a competitor in the form of Vector; a younger, flashier villain, with similar aspirations to his own. When Vector steals a shrinking device that he recently pinched himself, he hatches a plan to retrieve it by adopting three orphans, and having them enter his fortress under the guise of selling cookies for their digs. Soon, he finds himself more suited to a completely different role - as a father.
With gags aplenty, complimented by an eccentric animated style and Carrell's dulcet tones, the kids will absolutely lap this up. The jokes aimed more towards older audience members are subtle (the sign under the villain's bank reads "formally Lehman Brothers"), so they won't leave the kids scratching their heads, waiting on a more abrasive punch line. Also, all of the laughs aren't in the trailer, which should be a given, but is rarely the case in such mainstream fare nowadays.
There are no heroes - which makes you wonder how there can be just a world of villains - and no character is really expanded upon enough to rank this amongst the elite of the genre, but this is still entertaining, charming stuff that will leave you and the youngsters with a smile come the closing credits.
Review by Mike Sheridan
Your Comments
Doyler
As a family film, Despicable Me gets full marks -- it's fun for all, and the kids at this screening were charmed. As a piece of animation, however, it has its moments, but it's not the pick of the CGI crop.
Posted 11/10/2010 23:43:25
Ozkennard
I really cant wait to see this film, the trailer looks fab "ITS SO FLUFFY I COULD DIE!!!""
Posted 12/10/2010 14:17:00
Michael
I am going to see this next week and it looks really good. My type of film. Let's hope it lives up to expectations
Posted 12/10/2010 16:50:10
Auroranq
I love going to these kind of movies even though I'm too young to use the 'mum bringing her kids' excuse and too 'old' to go with friends! This looks like great fun and I'm going to drag my little brother to see it so I have a valid excuse ;D
Posted 12/10/2010 20:39:34
gills2
taking my nephew to see this one next week and really hoping it lives up to it's better reviews
Posted 13/10/2010 01:55:57
koz
I'm using my little bro as an excuse to go to this... is the 3d any good?
Posted 27/10/2010 11:29:48
Emmaa Delaney Ox
i have the samee problem auroranq... only i dont have any nieces or nephewz :(..... how wil i go any excuses LOL x
Posted 01/11/2010 17:11:25
chell3
Great movie, great for the kids too!! few funny bits in it i thought :) recommended
Posted 04/11/2010 00:36:52
Slick
Warm, charming, witty and great use of CGI - must see for anyone wanting a break from these troubled times
Posted 26/11/2010 11:51:08
Geraldine
This is a family movie for a wide age group. 'Despicable Me' movie is very funny with a warm story line for small children with a happy every after. This movie as with most animation also has good music. Great movie to sit and enjoy with all ages.
Posted 15/01/2011 21:18:47
xaoifeluvsamx
really good film sooooo funny i saw with my friends and we almost wet are selfs...............HAHAHAHAHA :)
Posted 16/01/2011 17:55:31
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