Movie Review # 692: Despicable Me 4 (2024)

And now, we have finally arrived at the latest installment of the Despicable Me franchise. So now, let’s discuss Despicable Me 4.

Plot: When Gru (Steve Carrell), his wife (Kristen Wiig), and their kids (Miranda Cosgrove, Madison Polan, and Dana Geier), along with Anti-Villain League leader Silas Ramsbottom (Steve Coogan) discover that an old rival of Gru’s named Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) has escaped a security prison with the help of superpowers that he has, Gru, and the family are forced to go into hiding until Le Mal is found. Can the AVL track down Le Mal before he finds Gru, and the family, or will the family be discovered, and end up in big trouble?

Well, I will admit right out of the gate that this film is very funny like all the other previous Despicable Me films. Sure, some of the humor may feel childish, but still. The animation is also very nice. Oh, and some of the plot was very clever at times, particularly with how some of the beginning, and ending, were handled. Additionally, can we also take time to admire how cleverly designed Maxime Le Mal was, particularly with him being a Spider-Man type of character, but having powers of those of a cockroach instead? Honestly, he may be one of the better villains in the Despicable Me franchise, along with maybe Macho from Despicable Me 2. And Gru Jr., how could you not consider him as an adorable baby, along with how creative he is with keeping characters like Gru out of trouble at certain points in this film?

Still, the film did feel like it did have one too many subplots going on as well? It seemed to keep the film from being potentially better than it was in the end? Sure, in some ways, I could see why some things were written the way that they were. Overall, however, the somewhat cluttered storyline seemed to serve as proof that at this point, Universal, and Illumination should let this film be the final film of this franchise, and move onto more original projects. Yes, I’m excited for the upcoming Sing 3, if that ends up occurring. Other than that, the company needs to try to come up with newer ideas. And, need I remind other companies like Disney, Disney/Pixar, DreamWorks, and other companies to do the same?

And that’s my review for Despicable Me 4. Though it was an alright sequel, I think it’s time that the company say that they made sequels for this franchise for a long time, but should most definitely say goodbye to it at this point. This film does have some neat things in it, sure. Still, hopefully this can be the last chapter before this franchise gets milked out, and the it gets possibly worse in the future. I would say still see Despicable Me 4, but don’t set your expectations too high for it.

Final Grade: C