Despicable Me 2

Director: Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud
Starring: Steve Carrell, Kristin Wiig, Russell Brand, Steve Coogan, Benjamin Bratt, Sean Hayes, Miranda Cosgrove
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Runtime: 98 mins. Reviewed in Jun 2013

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Rating notes: Mild animated violence

Despicable was certainly not the word that fans used for the original Despicable me. Everybody liked it, even with its sinister hero, the despicable Gru, who was working on a scheme to steal the moon – well, somebody thought they should do it!

But, at the end, Gru succumbed to the charm of three little orphan girls and reformed.

At the beginning of Despicable Me 2, Gru is maintaining his reputation for honesty, and is employed in making jams and jellies. However, there is a little deception for one of the little girls who was counting on the fairy princess coming to her birthday party – when she doesn’t turn up, Gru dons the costume and saves the day. The little girl reassures him she knows what he did but she won’t say anything to spoil the pleasure of the other children. So, all seems sweetness and light. And Steve Carrell offers his highly entertaining voice for Gru.

But, his ally, Dr Nefario (Russell Brand) decides that the honest life is too dull and goes off to work for another villain (Benjamin Bratt) wanting to transform the world into evil. The authorities of the Anti-Villain League approach Gru to work on the side of good and bring the villain to justice. So, lots of funny adventures, Gru with his special weapons and skills – and the help of agent, Lucy (Kristen Wiig) who is wary of Gru but falls in love with him. The little girls all approve.

The creatures from the original films, the minions, who look like roly poly balls, whose voices are like kiddy mumbles, with silly giggles and naughty sniggers often steal the show. But… the villain is able to transform them into slimeballs who do his will. Gru has to combat them. But, there is a way for them to be changed back into their old selves. Plenty of jokey action here. And Dr Nefario has a crisis of conscience.

Undemanding, with some visual inventiveness, and some funny sequences – for children and even for adults.