Despicable Me (Universal Pictures)
Anything But
Despicable Me is a heart-warming, laugh invoking, entertainment filled movie that will appeal to audiences of all ages. It has a villain you will love to hate, but also hate to love. He has to win you over but when he does watch out. He will steal your heart. Then there are the little creatures he surrounds himself with, they are scene stealers every time they appear.
Does any of this sound vaguely familiar Well it is basically How the Grinch Stole Christmas but in this case it is How the Meany Stole the Moon. In both films we have a villain whose heart is touched by small children. Despicable could even be set in Whoville but that would be too obvious.
Still this movie is another in a strong line of animated films that prove they are the equal to or even better than most of the live action entertainment coming out of Hollywood today. And if you are going to copy a classis, well who better than the Grinch
The plot of this film centers on Gru (voiced by Steve Carell). He is the worlds greatest villain, or so he likes to think. For his next evil plot he plans to steal the moon, to do this he will need a shrink machine but he doesnt have the funds for it. He seeks money from the banks Mr. Perkins (Will Arnett) but he would rather give money to Vector (Jason Segel), who is Grus main competitor in villainy.
Gru devises a scam whereby he will use three orphans to get the shrink machine from Vector. He and his numerous minions (hilarious little creatures who have either one big eye or two eyes) work feverishly to make Grus plans come true. Meanwhile the three orphan sisters steal his heart without even trying.
There could not be a more perfect voice for Gru than Carells. He affects some type of European accent that makes the character even more distinctive. The animation for this character is delightful but Carells voice is the finishing touch.
Segel, Arnett, Kristin Wiig, Russell Brand and Julie Andrews all add spice to their interpretations of the various roles. Andrews voices Grus mother and she is anything but the sweet voiced lady she usually plays. The Disney Channels Miranda Cosgrove gives warmth to the role of Margo, the oldest orphan.
The film is rated PG for some comical violence.
The movie is a little bit slow and ordinary at the start but by the time it reaches the half way point it is in high gear. This is when the humor, especially by the minions, goes into overdrive and the heart-warming elements of the movie pile on. By the end there wont be a dry eye in the house. Also make sure you dont leave when the credits start as there are even more humorous segments to be enjoyed.
This summer has seen a heavy load of animated movies arrive. Some of been worth seeing while others should best be avoided. Then there are the truly excellent ones like How To Train Your Dragon and Toy Story 3. Despicable Me belongs in that category.
Take your kids to see this one and make it a true family experience. If you dont have kids of your own, borrow some. This is a movie that is best seen through their eyes. And if they loved the Grinch they are sure to love this one.
I scored Despicable Me a beloved 8 out of 10.
