Film Review: Despicable Me

Pixar already struck mega-gold with Toy Story 3 a few weeks ago; is there room for another wonderful animated flick this summer? While Despicable Me is nowhere near the caliber of films that Pixar produces every year, it is still a delightful, heartwarming, and hilarious experience. Despicable Me follows super villain Gru (Steve Carrell), upset that he is no longer the world's greatest villain; young newcomer Vector (Jason Segel) stole one of the Great Pyramids in Egypt, and is the new talk of the world. Gru plans to get his title back by shrinking and stealing... the Moon. However, to pull off his elaborate plan, Gru must adopt three orphaned sisters (Miranda Crosgrove, Dana Gaier, Elsie Fisher) into his home. The plot is utterly predictable, but every moment is still truly charming.

Put up by Universal, Despicable Me is a wonderfully entertaining flick. The film plans to have fun and leave the audience howling, and it certainly accomplishes this; it is totally aware how over-the-top and ridiculous its very premise is, but I couldn't stop grinning. The voice work is incredibly inspired - Steve Carrell is pitch-perfect, from his slight Eastern European accent to the amusingly stilted delivery; Russell Brand turns in a hilariously unrecognizable performance as Dr. Nefario; Agnes (the youngest of the three girls) and Gru's horde of squat yellow minions are the most rousingly hilarious characters, with some truly quotable moments. Regardless, it is fun to see a wicked man as the main character in an animated film; the elaborate details of Gru's "evil" lair are pretty damn awesome. The 3D is a tad gimmicky at times (here's looking at you, roller coaster sequence), but is also an addition to the rollicking good time this film is having. Be sure to stick around for the credits, where the amazing minions have an adorable gag that plays on the current audience fascination with 3D films.

Despicable Me is the type of laugh-out-loud summer animated comedy that every family should check out. While it isn't as sentimental or nostalgic as Toy Story 3, and isn't nearly as smart, you won't be able to deny that the film is a blast. The trailers promoting this film seem to press the manic segments, but should also focus on lovely interplay between Gru and his "daughters." See Despicable Me for the beautifully slick animation, stellar voice work, and unfaltering cuteness of the three little girls. B+