So-so sequel

Rating: 6/10 (17 July 2013)

Like many sequels, this one falls short of the original. The first movie is set apart by its originality, and the transformation of the arch-villain Gru into a soft-hearted father.
This time around, Gru and the kids are already settled, and he's retired from villlainy. The only thing to do is bring him out of "retirement" to do battle with yet another villain, who wants to take over the world (don't they all?).
Throughout the movie, minions abound, providing comic relief (in a comedy).
But most of the action is only a little more than ordinary. Some sight gags work well, but not enough to make this sequel stand out. some scenes just run too long - the Cinco de Mayo party, for one.
There's a possibility of a third movie, and with a partner for Gru, the stage is set for something completely different. But I'll wait and see.