Despicable Me Review

Image by AMMY.LOU via Flickr

    This might be the cutest movie I have ever seen.  Everything about this movie was adorable.  The character's shapes, Gru's accent, the little girls, the "minions". the evil plots.  All the cute in this movie was turned up to 11.  Cute isn't always a good thing.  Sometimes filmmakers use the "cuteness factor" as a way to manipulate viewers with false emotion.  However, I didn't see that in Despicable Me.  I think this movie is very honest, not fancy or high class or emotionally deep, but honest.
    Despicable Me is an animated film by Univesal's Illumination Entertainment, headed up by Chris Meladandri who is the former head of Fox Animation, and oversaw the production of the Ice Age Movies.  Those movies are very similar tonally to this one.  Both are original stories that feature characters voiced by a large celebrity cast, telling a hilarious story that also has heart.  The main character of Gru is voiced by Steve Carrel, and he is nearly unrecognizable through his faux-Russian accent.  Another significant cast members include Jason Segal (yay!), Russel Brand, Miranda Cosgrove, Will Arnett, and Kristen Wiig.
     The film is about Gru, who strives to be the world's greatest supervillian.  He has a dasterdly plot to steal the moon and hold it for ransom, which will ultimately earn him such much needed respect from the supervillian community, and his apathetic mother.  In order to so, he adopts 3 orphan girls to help with his scheme.  But then Gru begins to predictably fall for these girls, and might just change his priorities in life.

Image via Wikipedia

   Now let's be honest here, this movie isn't breaking any new ground here.  There's nothing here you haven't seen in some form or another.  A man who values only himself comes in contact with kids and they warm his heart.  Nothing new.   But I don't believe it's ever been does as an animated 3-D comedy with a supervillian for a protagonist.  And that's what gives this movie it's unique edge.  The combination of zany sci-fi comedy with a heartwarming story about a man learns to appreciate family, is very emotionally satisfying.  This movie won't take you to any new levels like Pixar films have a knack for doing, but you won't be bored during this movie.  The first half of this movie is a little muddled and busy, but the second half is both hilarious and heartwarming.
   Another unique feature to this movie from other films dominating the box office lately is that it is an ORIGINAL picture.  Not based off a previously established property or a sequel, it is 100% original.  Hopefully the success of this movie will encourage other studios to release more original movies.  In summary, a heart-warming hilarious flick, that will leave you immensely satisfied after leaving the theater.  Kids will love it, adults will enjoy it along with them.  4/5