The Villain Who Became a Hero: A Movie Review of Universal Pictures' "Despicable Me"

What if an evil super villain suddenly found himself raising three little girls? It is hard to imagine a grim villain adopting three bright and cheerful girls. In the 2010 cartoon Despicable Me, that is exactly what happens.
The film is the third highest-grossing animated film (on opening day), right behind Toy Story 3 and Shrek Forever After. It was Universal Pictures' sixth highest-grossing film and it isn't hard to see why. The film stars the voices of Steve Carell as super-villain Gru, Jason Segel as super-villain Vector, and Miranda Cosgrove as Margo, eldest of three sisters.

SUMMARY

   The world is shocked by the news that the Pyramid of Giza has been stolen. Countries rush to defend their national landmarks, as they try to figure out who committed the crime and what he will do next. 

   Super-villain Gru is informed by his genius assistant Dr. Nefario that some villain has stolen the pyramid and that all of the other villains are suddenly cast in a bad light. Gru instructs the doctor to assemble the Minions (mischievous creatures who almost mindlessly work for Gru). It is then that Gru announces his plans to steal the moon!

   Soon after Gru steals a shrink ray/gun that is vital to his plot, the villain Vector comes and takes it from him. Gru must then figure out a way to steal it back from Vector's near-impenetrable lair. After many unsuccessful attempts, he gets a great idea: adopt three sisters, get them to sell cookies to Vector, and then steal the shrink ray. After his plan works, Gru tries to get rid of the girls, but he begins to realize how much he enjoys being with them. 

   Eventually, his adopted daughters are caught in the mess he created, and he must be the hero instead of the villain if he is to rescue the girls.

CONTENT

   The violence is not heavy, especially since this is a PG movie. I think it was similar to the violence you would normally find in a Looney Toons episode. There is some firing of guns (though no one is shot) and the shrink ray is used a few times.

   This movie is pretty clean, and there aren't really any inappropriate parts. The humor is a little bit like that of the Shrek films, though not nearly as overbearing (or nasty). There are two scenes, though: one where we see a Minion's bare behind, and another where we see Gru's underwear. I don't recall anything else.

   There is no language whatsoever used in the film. 

   I really enjoyed Despicable Me. It was a good, mostly clean family movie. And if you are looking for comedy, this is definitely a better choice than something such as Shrek. This is also a good choice for father/daughter viewers. Despicable Me has something for everybody.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Length: 95 minutes 

Rating: PG (for rude humor and mild action)

Directors: Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud

Producers: Chris Meledandri, John Cohen, Janet Healy

Music: Pharrell Williams, Heitor Pereira

Year of release: 2010

Primary audience: Kids, family