The Despicable Me franchise might not have new ideas under its belt, but at least Illumination knows how to apply its technical skills to create a visual spectacle.
Star Cast: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Will Ferrell, Joey King, Sofia Vergara, and Stephen Colbert
Director: Chris Renaud
Gru and the Minions come back with a familiar yet, fun new Adventure (photo credit: Instagram )
What’s Good: Illumination’s artistry comes forward in every single shot, and it is hard to dispute that their films do have their own unique style.
What’s Bad: At this point, it seems like the franchise has nowhere to go from a plot perspective, and you might feel tons of déjà vu coming from this installment.
Loo Break: As it is usual with these movies, the second act starts meandering a little, and if you are not the biggest fan of the minions, then their subplot would make for a perfect loo break.
Watch or Not?: Watch only if you have little kids, as they will enjoy it a lot.
Language: English (with subtitles).
Available in: Theaters
Runtime: 95 minutes.
Despicable Me and the Minions has become a global multi-million dollar franchise, with an entire generation growing up with these beloved characters. Initially, seeing the franchise attempt to evolve alongside its audience was intriguing. However, in the latest installment, Despicable Me 4, the franchise has abandoned this approach, opting instead for a series of disjointed sketches. The overarching plot, if it ever existed, has now reached an all-time low.
Despicable Me 4 Movie Review: Script Analysis
Does Despicable Me need a strong plot? Not really. It’s important to remember that, unlike Pixar films, Illumination Entertainment specifically caters to young children. Kids don’t necessarily need strong themes, intricate plots, powerful character moments, or even continuity. What they crave are jokes, an abundance of humor, and a barrage of flashing lights and chaotic antics, all of which the minions deliver in spades.
Despicable Me 4 introduces an interesting new family development: the arrival of Gru’s first son, Gru Jr. The film sets up the intriguing premise of Gru navigating his relationship with his first male child. One might expect the movie to delve into how Gru, previously surrounded by female characters, adjusts to this new dynamic. However, instead of exploring this promising storyline, the film quickly reverts to a “Villain of the Week” format, falling back into familiar territory.
It’s challenging for a franchise to change a successful formula, especially by the fourth installment. Expecting such a shift might be unrealistic. The Despicable Me franchise is Illumination Entertainment’s gold mine, and they are understandably hesitant to mess with a winning strategy. With the original fans growing older, the franchise needs to attract new viewers.
Despite the lack of fresh ideas for its central characters, the film excels at setting up a series of comedic skits. Gru, the villain of the week, and the Minions showcase their chaotic antics, creating an entertaining example of slapstick comedy. The plot unfolds predictably, ending in a way that offers no surprises but plenty of laughs along the way.
(Photo Credit: Book my Show )
Despicable Me 4 Movie Review: Star Performance
Despicable Me now boasts an impressive cast of voice actors, with the ever-talented Steve Carell leading the way as Gru. Carell’s performance is so iconic that Gru will always be associated with him. It’s a delight to hear Carell back in top form after The Minions: The Rise of Gru, clearly having a great time with the role. While the film doesn’t demand much from him dramatically, Carell nails every line with his usual professionalism.
Among the newcomers to the franchise, Joey King shines as Poppy. Her character comes close to being annoying, but King and the writers skillfully balance her personality, keeping her endearing. Meanwhile, Will Ferrell delivers exactly what you’d expect as the villain of the week, Maxime Le Mal. His performance channels some of the Mugatu energy from his Zoolander days, adding a familiar and entertaining flair to the character.
(Photo Credit: Hindustan Times)
Despicable Me 4 Movie Review: Direction, Music
Under the direction of Chris Renaud, who previously worked on the Secret Life of Pets franchise, Despicable Me 4 gains a fresh burst of energy. Renaud’s touch brings a more cohesive feel to the film compared to the previous two installments, creating a more fluid and carefree experience. The plot, though still quite thin, is more consistently present throughout the movie.
Heitor Pereira’s music effectively enhances both the action sequences and the tender moments, adding depth to the film. The franchise’s signature jukebox element remains intact, with a few well-placed needle drops that turn parts of the movie into a fun karaoke session.
Despicable Me 4 Movie Review: The Last Word
Despicable Me 4 doesn’t break new ground or push the franchise forward, and it lacks any real surprises. However, it’s hard to fault Illumination Entertainment for giving audiences exactly what they crave: a formulaic, funny, and colorful 3D animated adventure. This approach is sure to generate millions in ticket sales and merchandise. While it may not be the best animated film of the year, it will undoubtedly achieve its financial goals with ease.
Despicable Me 4 Trailer
Despicable Me 4 was released on July 4, 2024.
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