I cannot tell a lie. Every now and then I enjoy an animated flick. At the ripe age of 35 the child in me tends to peak from time to time and I’m sure it’s clear with the raves I give off when these comic-book films are released. However, even though these films are based on fictional comic-book characters, a lot of the elements to these stories are true to life in many different facets and always portrayed by adults as the those in control. To an extent that can serve my childish gullibility, but nothing taps into that mind-frame more than an actual animated film. Recently these types of films have garnered just as much – if not even more – a fan-base and can stand toe to toe with major films produced with the intent of having them appeal more towards adults and not children. However, that’s irrelevant and when films like “Up” or “Toy Story” are unleashed, they’re there for purposes of covering every base with great story, pacing and magical scenery that’ll cater to all ages – and even bring out the child in those who aren’t. Like ME!
If you are an avid fan of Pixar animation, here’s another one for you! “Despicable Me” is a story about the villain Gru (Steve Carell) in his quest to ‘steal’ the Moon. Sadly, his plan gets interrupted as three orphans; Margo (Miranda Cosgrove) Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Elsie Fisher) show up at his doorstep, wanting Gru to be their father! Another nerdy-looking villain Vector, (Jason Segel) tries to foil his Moon-stealing plans too.
As like any other ‘family-friendly’ animations, there’s always a hidden message beneath them, waiting to be conveyed to the audience. In “Despicable Me”, Gru’s the typical villain, but when he takes in the three orphans, his heart is eventually ‘melted’ by their sincerity. Even when he planned to take down Vector, it was the girls’ thirst for family love that transformed Vector into a selfless person!
Comedy elements in the movie weren’t that corny and moviegoers are sure to be entertained by the yellow-colored cute ‘minions’ of Gru. Furthermore, “Despicable Me” turns the tables on the bad guys when they are characterized as a person who is still terrified of their parents.
The movie headlines the who’s who in Tinseltown such as Steve Carrell (“Date Night”), Jason Segel (“Forgetting Sarah Marshall”), Miranda Cosgrove (“School Of Rock”), Julie Andrews (“Shrek Forever After”) who plays Gru’s mother, and also Russell Brand (“Get Him to the Greek”) as Dr. Nefario. As usual, “Despicable Me” is also shown in 3D version, though the writer does not encourage moviegoers to opt for that version since there isn’t much difference between 3D and the normal version. (Pretty much same story with every other 3D film) While it’s not as popular like the “Toy Story” franchise, “Despicable Me” will amuse both you and the kids, especially when the yellow ‘minions’ appear on screen! If anything they’re the ones who will come off memorable. If you watch the film, you’ll see what I mean.
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Grade: A
Genre: Comedy, Kids/Family and Animation
Roars: 5 Out of 5
Rated: PG / Run Time: 1 Hr. 35 Min.
Cast: Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Kristen Wiig, Will Arnett, Danny McBride
Director(s): Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin