Andrew Robinson
One of the best animated movies in recent memory is Despicable Me. Released in 2010 and starring voice actors Steve Carell (Gru), Jason Segel (Vector), Julie Andrews (Gru’s Mom), Russell Brand (Dr. Nefario), Will Arnett (Mr. Perkins), Kristen Wiig (Miss Hattie), Miranda Cosgrove (Margo), Dana Gaier (Edith), and Elsie Fisher (Agnes), Despicable Me boasts an all-star cast.
Spoilers for Despicable Me will be present.
Summary
When a criminal mastermind wants to commit the ultimate theft, he decides to use three orphan girls to complete his scheme. However, he learns things about himself, love, and companionship along the way.
Analysis
What makes Despicable Me so good? Well, first of all, it’s funny. Its main goal is to be funny – it’s a PG animated film geared towards children, after all. Gru’s minions are extremely cute and funny – their antics keep the child viewers happy and engaged. Furthermore, while Vector is spoiled, lazy, and annoying, he’s a hilarious villain simply due to the fact that he’s spoiled, lazy, and annoying. His sweatsuit is, um, interesting. Put simply, he is the ultimate representation of a cartoonish villain and, in Despicable Me, it works.
Furthermore, Gru himself is intriguingly comedic. He’s a supervillain (particularly in the beginning), yes, but he’s also quite funny. The scene where he goes over his master plan with his boss has become a meme, and Carell delivers all of Gru’s lines to perfection.
The three girls – Margo, Edith, and Agnes – are fantastic. Providing a childish point of view in a situation that is anything but childlike, they make the film as good as it can be. Paired with the minions, who soon learn to love their new companions, the girls essentially force Gru to love them with their antics and lovable attitudes. Despite grabbing them with bad intentions, Gru is turned into a lovable father by the end, even doing everything in his power to make the girls’ dance recital. Despite failing to make it on time, Gru’s love for the kids is evident; it is clear just how much he has changed.
This is the best part about Despicable Me. This is what separates it from almost all other animated comedies geared towards children. Gru changes. He evolves from the criminal mastermind with nothing on his mind besides his next crime into a loving person who cares for his newly-adopted children more than nearly anything. The messages present are fantastic – that love truly can conquer all, and even a criminal mastermind can change. This is what makes Despicable Me an instant classic; this is what makes it as close to a flawless film as it can be. Furthermore, this is what endears it to adults, as well as children. It’s a deeply poignant film; it is superficial, nor is it geared exclusively towards children, like The Secret Life of Pets, for example.
Verdict
Despicable Me is absolutely excellent. It is a must-watch for all who have children, and is loved by people of all ages. Without question, Despicable Me is this reviewer’s favorite animated film, and is rewatchable on every level.
9.65/10
