Being the lukewarm animated movie fan that I am, imagine my surprise when “Despicable Me” ended up being one of my favorite movies of 2010. I championed the film, recommending it to anyone who would listen and making my case for how it was considerably better than that year’s animated juggernaut “Toy Story 3”. “Despicable Me” would go on to be a surprise hit eventually earning over $540 million at the box office. Now if that doesn’t guarantee a sequel I don’t know what does.
Well now it’s three years later and this summer we get “Despicable Me 2”. Many of the same people are back this time around including the directing team of Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud, the writing team of Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio, and of course the voice talents of Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, and Russell Brand. Joining them this time is Benjamin Bratt and Steve Coogan. So all of the pieces are in place for a great sequel, right? The same talented cast and crew and a very successful foundation to build it on. But does it succeed or does it commit some of the same cardinal sins that many sequels have in the past?
Well I definitely loved revisiting these characters. Gru (Carell) is enjoying his time away from villainy fathering Margo (Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier), and Agnes (Elsie Fisher). The film starts with what’s probably my favorite scene – a backyard birthday party for the unicorn loving Agnes. Here we are quickly reintroduced to the minions. In fact we see a lot more of them in “Despicable Me 2”. It’s pretty clear that the filmmakers noticed the huge popularity of the happy yellow henchmen and gave them bigger roles. Honestly, I was just fine with that. They’re just so darned funny and most of the movie’s biggest laughs feature them. We’re also introduced to Lucy Wilde (Wiig), a perky Anti-Villain Agent. This is a bigger and entirely different role than Wiig had in the first film.
All of these characters are a lot of fun and watching how the story employs them is a hoot. But not every character works so well. Benjamin Bratt voices a mysterious Mexican restaurateur who, weight gags and dance skills aside, never adds much to the film. It’s a pretty important role that was originally set to be played by Al Pacino. But it isn’t Bratt’s work that dulls the character. He’s just so unevenly written. He’s never that interesting and when he’s finally opened up, he doesn’t leave much of an impact. In fact I would argue that he slows things down a bit.
That kind of leads into my bigger gripe with “Despicable Me 2”. In the first film I never felt myself drifting away or struggling to focus my attention. I did here. The middle of the film is full of funny moments but there are also times where it feels like every other animated movie. Its silly slapstick and overwrought dialogue came across as more formulaic than fluid, something I never got from the first picture.
But as I said, it isn’t as if the middle of the film doesn’t have its high points. In fact, the movie itself has several high points. One of the great things about this series is how it surrounds some pretty real and heavy subjects with humor and it does it responsibly. It also features a particular sense of humor that is broad enough for the entire family. I really appreciate that. I love the quirky and offbeat comedy that’s mixed within the usual animated slapstick. Quirky also defines the animation itself. I absolutely love the look of the film, the locations, and especially the characters. Whether it be an accentuated neck, pointy nose, or frazzled hair, many of the characters crack me up just with their look.
But my biggest pleasure is in the heart that this film has. While it does get pushed aside at times, “Despicable Me 2” still has enough of the heart that made the first film such a treat for me. I just wish the movie had kept the same consistency and uniqueness. Still, it’s loaded with laughs and it was great to spend more time in this wacky world with these wacky characters. Minions for life!!!
keithandthemovies.com 
Like you, I also loved the first flick. And while I’ve yet to see the sequel, your review has confirmed some of my skepticism. Regardless, hopefully I can check it out soon. Great review!!
Thanks! I really went back and forth between a 3 or 3.5 but in the end I laughed too much and had enough fun to merit a 3.5
I still haven’t seen the first despite it being highly recommended to me several times. I’ll leave this until I see that, obviously, but I definitely want to get them watched and see what the fuss is about. Nice write up mate.
Thanks. The first film is an absolute blast. It completely caught me by surprise.
I’ve seen both and agree with you. I didn’t realize Wiig was in the first one too! My big problem with this one was the love interests that I could have lived without and would have preferred something similar to the simple storyline from the first film. I did enjoy that there were more Minions in this one which was the only thing I felt a little disappointed in the first time around.
I agree with all of your points. I do think you make a really good points about the love interests. Yep, Wiig played the lady who oversaw the orphanage in the first movie.
Yes, I had to look it up after I read your post and saw that she was Ms. Hattie. I still like both of them and hope that “Minions” doesn’t disappoint (I think it is in the works for next year or year after?)
Oh really? I hadn’t heard about it. My kids will be thrilled!!!!
I had to check again where I heard about it and it was wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minions_(film)
You did hit the nail on the head. I liked it more because I love animation and the Minions slay me.
They crack me up. I openly admit it.
Nice review Keith. The Minions have always bothered me. I don’t know why that is, but them, as well as these two movies, haven’t really done much for me at all.
Bummer. I absolutely loved the first film. But I can see where it wouldn’t work for you if the minions didnt.
Yep, pretty much agree w/ your rating Keith. I still think the first one is better, though I LOVE that there are more roles of the minions. I actually like el Macho, but surprised it was Benjamin Bratt’s voice!
Thanks Ruth. I so loved the first movie. Was a bit disappointed that this one didn’t quite deliver as strongly.
BANANA!!!
“BOTTOM!”
GELATO!
It was funny but somehow I was expecting a bit more. It just seemed to lack some of the magic of the first film. Also my boy won’t stop make bebo noises after watching this.
Yours too???? My daughter bebos non-stop.
That’s unfortunate, I liked the first one as well. Was going to take my daughter to this last week but we saw Turbo instead. Probably made the right choice. Nicely done Keith.
It’s still worth a watch. It has several funny moments. It just doesn’t capture the magic of the first.
Pingback: 2013 K&M Random Movie Awards |
Pingback: » Movie Review – Toy Story 3 Fernby Films
Pingback: » Movie Review – Adventureland Fernby Films
Pingback: » Movie Review – Mrs Brown’s Boys D’Movie Fernby Films
This is nice movie review. I like it. I would like to share more content like that.. check here: https://www.celewish.com/