by Austen Terry, Contributing Writer
In 2010, Gru (Steve Carrell) and the Minions took over the world in their first ever movie, Despicable Me. The Minions quickly became cultural icons and were constantly memed, lead to their own spinoff series. With three Despicable Me movies and two solo Minion movies, it was time for another chapter, so Illumination released Despicable Me 4. Gru has gone through so much in the first three movies — he’s grown as a character, and this latest movie looks to add more to the franchise, rather than just being another one to keep the Minions love alive. These movies have always had heart, and this one is right at home with the rest.
Gru and Lucy (Kristin Wiig) are married, working with the Anti-Villain League, and starting their family. Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier), and Agnes (Madison Skyy Polan) return as Gru’s adopted daughters, but are now joined by the newest addition, Gru Jr. When villain school rival, Maxime (Will Ferrell), escapes prison to hunt down Gru, the family must go into hiding. This new development, along with raising an infant and three girls, prove challenging for everyone.
The voice actors here need to be praised. Carrell still has his Gru voice, but mostly everyone makes the best out of the experience. Usually, actors, especially in animated movies, don’t stick around for this many sequels, and I was so glad everyone returned. The fish-out-of-water story really fits this franchise, and everyone delivers their all. Ferrell is joined with Sophia Vergara (as villain, Valentina); they also work well together. Joey King even joins the franchise as next door neighbor, Poppy. Animated movies are always fun with great voice actors who can play the roles with all the enthusiasm.
This time around, the film was directed by Chris Renaud and Patrick Delage, along with writers, Mike White and Ken Daurio, all of whom have worked within the franchise or on other animated movies. They make this movie better and more than just being a sequel. There is heart here that brings the story full circle.
The animation doesn’t wow, but it doesn’t have to — it doesn’t have to be hyperrealistic. The film has the story for the adults, and the bright colors for the kids.
Seeing Despicable Me 4 wasn’t a bad way to spend Independence Day; I really enjoyed the movie. It has good laughs and even pulls on the ol’ heartstrings a bit. With there now being six movies in the franchise, I do hope this is the last. But if we get more I won’t be quick to complain.
Rating: Liked It
Despicable Me 4 is currently playing in theaters
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