Movie Review # 685: Despicable Me (2010)

Well, everyone, today, we dive into the animation world, specifically the world of Universal/Illumination Studios. Oh, but that’s not all. We aren’t just reviewing any animated film from this film library, no, no. This particular animated film, that we review today, is one that started this animation film library over a decade ago. So now, in honor of that, and, of course, the fact that there is a forth film in this franchise as of recently, let’s discuss the one that started it all for Universal/Illumination Studios, the one, and only Despicable Me.

Plot: Gru (Steve Carrell) is a villain in league eight another scientist, and some minions of his. Throughout his career as a villain, he, and his minions have stolen very important objects, including a pyramid from Egypt. But when he, and his followers plot to steal the moon, while also reluctantly agreeing to take three orphan girls (Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Geier, and Elsie Fisher respectively), the question remains as to whether or not he will continue in his devious ways, or have a change of heart.

Well, I will give the film these things. There is a lot of good comedy in this film that works very well. Also, who doesn’t like Steve Carrell? I mean he is hilarious, and, therefore, memorable in basically anything that he performs in. Voicing Gru in this film is no exception. And, come on, even though the Minions may be childish in this film, and in the other films that they’re in, who doesn’t still love those characters as well, especially when they still have some adult charm to each of their characters as well? Honestly, I can see why plenty of merchandise has been sold for those particular characters. The soundtrack was also very nice too, with some catchy tunes here, and there, along with a nice score by Pharrell Williams, and Heitor Pereira. Oh, and the girls, Margo, Edith, and Agnes, how could you not like how adorable they are, and their charm, and humor as well? The relationship between them, and Gru is good too. Last, but not least, as far as the pros go, this film certainly provided good lessons such as not letting pride get in the way of love, and care for other people in your life.

So, with all of these pros that I mentioned, are there any cons to it? Well, there are a few, yes. First of all, the storyline felt a little rushed at times, and seemed unable to make things like Gru’s character development not reach its full potential. Let me put it to you all this way. I heard quite a few YouTube animation fans compare both Despicable Me, and DreamWorks’ Megamind (which was released the same year as this movie), and say that Megamind’s character, and character arc was done better. I still have yet to revisit Megamind, but from what I remembered of that film, it would seem that likely was true. But now I need to watch that film again to know for sure. Anyway, aside from Gru, his adopted daughters, and the minions, the rest of the characters are just okay. Sure, Vector was a somewhat decent villain, and had some hilarious moments. You got to admit his fortress was really cool too. Aside from those elements, he was just an okay villain. Finally, there’s the animation. It was okay. But come one, did the animators really need to make the arms, and legs of many of the characters that skinny? Seriously, what was that about? The animators seemed to make a bad habit of that. Thankfully, they’ve gotten at least a little better about that.

And that’s my review for Despicable Me. Well, it was the first film of this library. For what it was, it was not a bad film. Yes, it could have been better. And hey, at least Universal/Illumination would get even a little bit better as they progressed with the films that they would come out with down the road. I would say definitely still see Despicable Me since there’s still heart to it, it has a Looney Tunes vibe to it, it has very comedy in it, and things like that. And hey, at least this film was a very good practice round for future films that would be made from this studio.

Final Grade: B