Synopsis: In the first Despicable Me movie in seven years, Gru, the world’s favorite supervillain-turned-Anti-Villain League-agent, returns for an exciting, bold new era of Minions mayhem in Illumination’s Despicable Me 4.
A word of advice, don’t waste your time holding grudges. It’s understandable to use deception, sabotage, or an insult aimed in your direction as temporary motivation, but you can’t and shouldn’t let it consume you. While you allow what someone did to you to fester in your mind and dictate your decision-making, they likely haven’t thought about you since the incident occurred. You don’t have to forgive or forget, but moving on is beneficial. Live, grow, and succeed for YOU, not to prove them wrong.
“I’m coming for my revenge, Gru.”
I see you’ve been patiently waiting for Felonious Gru, his adorable family, or his zany legion of Minions, well, the wait is over. Fans of the franchise will rejoice while others will ask why, nevertheless, the gang is back and nothing is quite the same. Directed by Chris Renaud, Despicable Me 4 is unfocused, uninspired, and unnecessary. Was another addition to this franchise needed? Probably not, but when each installment makes over a billion dollars, I’m sure cha-ching is all that can be heard. However, that’s exactly the issue. What was fun and creative storytelling and world-building has become a cash grab with this latest film. What begins as an interesting and seemingly exciting plot is chaotically uprooted by a handful of meaningless subplots that merely chew up the runtime. They would’ve meant more if they actually delved into or followed up on what was presented. Unfortunately, there’s just too much going on. If it wasn’t for the phenomenal animation, a few genuine moments, and the hijinks of the Minions doing the heavy lifting, this action comedy would be in complete shambles. The film fails to focus on its primary task and its most interesting characters.
Initially structured as a story of revenge, Gru, now an agent of the Anti-Villain League, helps detain an evil former classmate named Maxime La Mal who has nefarious plans after augmenting his body. Once locked away in an AVL facility, the extremely dangerous Maxime vows to inflict the same amount of pain that he has suffered on the newly changed Gru. Now, fearing for the former villain and his newly expanded family after an escape, the AVL places the Gru household in witness protection. From here, the story becomes about fatherhood, unnecessary blackmail, assimilating, and random Minion shenanigans. The interesting revenge plot is abandoned until late in the movie. If done correctly, the subplots could blend harmoniously. Instead, the film feels directionless or listless at times. It flows as if television episodes have been crammed together or the stream of consciousness of a child pitching what they envision. Since children are the target audience and things like TikTok with its quick and endless shots of dopamine occupy a ton of time, it seems Illumination went the short attention span route. That being said, kids will love this movie. They’ll be swept up in the silliness and excitement, they won’t care too much about the story.
“Assemble the Mega Minions.”
Despite the negativity, the film does garner some genuine laughs. There are a few jokes and sequences that only adults will fully understand and they are well executed. As I mentioned earlier, the animation is top-tier. The textures, colors, and attention to detail of the characters and the world around them are immaculate. The score is fun and quirky, the voice acting is fantastic as always, and the Minions never disappoint. Too bad they didn’t utilize Will Ferrell enough. While the film is only out to have a good time, I suppose, and doesn’t have a ton to say, the theme of family is present in a big way. And family is the most important thing. Not for nothing, this should’ve come out Father’s Day weekend. Anyway, with its spirited nature and surprises at the end, Despicable Me 4 is sure to delight the little ones. Adults, you can get a little nap in. Its rewatchability is low.
Pace & Pop
Just like its story, the film’s pacing is chaotic. One minute there’s a T2 T-1000-esque chase sequence, then a honey badger attack followed by a spoof of the Spider-Man 2 train scene. What popped for me was the creation of the Mega Minions and their play on superheroes we are familiar with. Unfortunately, they were used and wasted like a Family Guy cutaway scene. However, I feel certain that they will reappear in another Minions movie.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Will Ferrell, Pierre Coffin, Joey King, Sofia Vergara, Stephen Colbert, Miranda Cosgrove, Chloe Fineman, Steve Coogan, Chris Renaud, Dana Gaier, Madison Polan
While the entire cast did great, three voice performances outshined the rest. Steve Carell continues to make Gru a loveable curmudgeon with a heart of bronze. If you squint, it looks gold. Will Ferrell as Maxime was over-the-top excellence. I only wish that he was in the film more. The back and forth of Carell and Ferrell using the accents was hilarious. And lastly, Joey King as the lisp-embracing supervillain wannabe, Poppy. Poppy may not have been necessary but King made her stand out with her charisma and angsty charm. The sneaky teenager is sure to be a fan favorite.
Despicable Me 4 hits theaters on July 3, 2024. Stay safe and stay silly.
Rated: PG Runtime: 1h 34m Director: Chris Renaud Co-Director: Patrick Delage Screenplay: Mike White, Ken Daurio Producers: Chris Meledandri, Brett Hoffman
Despicable Me 4 is unfocused, uninspired, and unnecessary. Was another addition to this franchise needed? Probably not, but when each installment makes over a billion dollars, I'm sure cha-ching is all that can be heard.
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GVN Rating 5.5
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User Ratings (2 Votes)
8.8