If you got caught up watching the many trailers for “Despicable Me” then you would probably go to the film expecting something very different than what it actually is. In actuality it is at times a dark comedy, at others a cutesy comedy, throw in some slapstick, and then finally has an emotional finale. Much different than what I expected. I thought it was going to be another silly animated film, but it was an intelligent one told in fable style. A welcome deviation from the standard kids’ film.
There is nothing that a movie-going audience likes better than a scene stealing villain. Especially if he is an odd-looking animated character. In all truth the story about two competing villains is not an original one. Nor is it new to see a bad guy have his heart softened by a child (or three, in this case). But the way they mesh these two stories together is quite original. Also the twists and turns keep you guessing which is not something that you usually have to do with an animated feature.
Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) is a sadistic creature who enjoys bringing misery to others. But underneath it all he is a man who was moulded by a cruel mother (voiced by Julie Andrews), who always made him feel like he wasn’t good enough. Because of this loveless upbringing, Gru spends his days harassing people and believing himself to be the number one criminal in the world. He is so good at what he does that Gru has a legion of minions (who provide much of the comic relief) working for him and his own mad scientist, Dr. Nefarious (voiced by Russell Brand). But his whole world is turned upside down when a new kid on the criminal mastermind block named Vector (voiced by Jason Segal) steals his thunder. This new guy proves his point when he steals a pyramid.
Not willing to be second fiddle, Gru decides to come up with a bigger heist. He plots to steal the moon. Stockpiling shrink rays, freeze rays and land/air battle vehicles, Gru is ready to do what no one else has dared attempt and regain his criminal mastermind throne. A large wrench is thrown into his plan when three young orphaned girls, Margo (voiced by Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (voiced by Dana Gaier) and Agnes (voiced by Elsie Fisher), don’t see him as a dastardly guy, but as their potential father.
Bottom line the film is charming without being corny, absurd, intelligent, and hilarious in parts. Humour, action and heart in an animated film – who could ask for anything more?
Special Features:
-Digital Copy
-Ultraviolet Copy
–3 Minion mini-movies
-Games
-Recipes
-& More!
