A Sequel That's Just As Fun As The First

Rating: 8/10 (11 October 2015)

The original "Despicable Me" was a rather eccentric, but quite an engaging family film. In the original, we see Gru (Steve Carrell) as an evil doer who's master plan was rob the moon. The antagonist in the movie was even more deranged and diabolical. In most animated cartoons, the heroes come across as cute and timid characters who come out on top in spite of the dangerous obstacles they must prevail to emerge victorious. Gru on the other hand has a more anti- hero characteristic rather than the typical soft fuzzy heroes we loved over the years. I guess this kind of characteristic in find a darker toned character as the hero was the reason why this film fared so successfully at the box office; along with the Minions mind you. "Despicable Me 2" may have been one of those not-needed sequels, since in the end of the first one, Gru does become nice. With his ability to utilize his evil savvy as an advantage to service heroism contributes the movie to work its way this time around.
The movie starts with Gru living peacefully with his three adorable daughters Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Elsie Fisher). Believing that he's lonesome with no companion in his life, but seems ardent at times when they start looking for companions. One day, Gru gets captured by an undercover agent of the Anti-Villain League named Lucy Wilde (Kristen Wiig). The AVL depends on Gru to ascertain a possible fiendish criminal genius who's coming off as an owner of a shopping mall store. Gru declares that the villain is El Macho (Benjamin Bratt) a man who appears to be almost unbeatable. He has invented a concoction that provides for him super-strength and has arbitrarily tried it on some of Gru's Minions.
Even though Gru is more of a protagonist, it's still wonderful that his edginess wasn't completely watered down. He still get easily cantankerous towards people who irritate him which includes his three daughters. He still has the knack for being evil and the film takes great pride in proving that point. One of the better scenes is when Gru tries to outsmart El Macho and pinpoint his next moves beforehand. This kind of methodology is what keeps this film true to the original even if Gru is not as despicable as he once was.
The storytelling elements in this film are the main weakness here, just like the first one. The narrative is way too loose contrary to other animated films of this generation ("Madagascar" and "Frozen"). I think "Despicable Me 2' had the potential to pitch more ideas over with Gru striving to become more adept at pushing his heroic integrity even further. There are moments midway in the film that drags a bit at times. and even though the Minions are cute, their functions tend become at times lacking in significance. Every so often these little guys need some moments to themselves (thank goodness for the summer spin-off movie this year).
I would be lying to your faces if I told you the Minions were not the best things in the movie. In fact every time they're on, they put a big smile on my face. They really are quite magnetic. Sure they might distract the gist of the movie, but they're just too adorable and funny to neglect. Some of the more funnier scenes was when they morph into purple demon-like critters. I guess the film- makers knew how immensely popular the minions were so they added more just to please the viewers. And surely they didn't disappoint. They're manic and crazy antics will surely have you laughing out loud till your head explodes.
The Minions weren't the only funny ones here. Gru is exceptionally funny as the leading hero and El Macho makes one hell of an exciting villain. He kind of reminds me of Carlos from "Hop" that has morphed into a sumo wrestler. The characters are very delightful in it creation and the visuals are just simply stunning. "Despicable Me 2' isn't the best animated movie out there, but it's still offers lots of humour and warmth for a family film the whole family could enjoy.