Despicable Me - Movie Review

Director:  Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud
Cast: Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Julie Andrews, Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier, Elsie Fisher
Gender: Animation/Comedy
Runtime: 95 min

If you've enjoyed “Toy Story 3”, then prepare to have a good laugh watching Steve Carell as the super villain “Gru” in the latest Universal Studios and Illumination Entertainment production: “Despicable Me”. This is one of the few animations in which the villain plays the main part, well in fact it's the second... the other one is “Grinch”.

“Despicable Me" tells the story of a super villain who used to be no. 1, and in order to regain his lost position he wants to steal the un-stealable: the Moon. So, you probably wonder how will he do that...well it's quite easy: an army of  minions, three little girls, and a shrink ray. To make some light into this matter, minions are adorable yellow creatures, who wear overalls and goggles, and who are a constant source of fun and amusement. On the other hand, the three little girls are three orphans who are going to help Gru steal the shrink ray from his rival and the new no. 1 super villain – Vector, by selling him cookies. I have to admit that to send three innocent, little girls to do your dirty job is not an innovative plan, but for sure it's wicked, in the nicest way possible :)

In order to shrink and steal the Moon, Gru will have to face a lot of challenges including reading bed time stories to the three little girls and taking them to “Funland”, an amusement park. Inevitably Gru will grow fond of the three little girls, and the ending, although obvious, will melt even the most iced villain heart.

The plot, which was written by Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul, includes a lot of funny situations which appeals to both children and grownups. A source of amusement is the Russian accent of the main character Gru, which Steve Carell does wonderfully. Another funny element is the ceaseless competition between Gru and Vector (the voice of Jason Segel), and their ambition to prove that they are the best in the business.

The three little girls: Margo, Edith and Agnes borrow their voices from Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier and Elsie Fisher, and are the perfect excuse for a villain like Gru to become a "good guy". One of the surprises of the movie is Julie Andrews who gives voice to Gru's demanding and hard to please mother.

Due to the latest Hollywoodian trend, “Despicable Me” was filmed using the 3D technology, but I have to admit that it doesn't bring major improvements from a 2D format. The movie was released in USA on July 9, and continues to charm the audience of all ages with its well written plot, innovative characters and plenty of funny moments, which make “Despicable Me” a truly irresistible movie. So, if you haven't see it yet, it's a must to take your kids (if you have any), or your friends and go and see “Despicable Me”.

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