Amazing? Not even close, but "Despicable", it is not

Rating: 6/10 (16 July 2010)

**1/2 out of (****)
Despicable Me is one of those movies that are completely disposable, but in the moment, are fun, lighthearted, and humorous. And in the end, that's really all you can ask for. Surprisingly, the third dimensions actually please both audiences: those who despise 3-D as a gimmick, and those who despise 3-D as just an "in-depth" experience. I can say that I really don't care where the third dimensions goes, but this is probably the best 3-D film since Avatar. Despite the 3-D, the film is still pretty decent. The performances are strong, the premise is actually original, and the movie moves at a smooth pace. However, it has nothing on "How to Train Your Dragon", also released from DreamWorks. Still, it is forgettable fun and while not mind-blowing, it still has substance.
"Despicable Me" revolves around Gru (Carell), who wants to dethrone his opponent, who is also running for the world's most evil villain. Gru's plan is to steal the moon, but he adopts three children, which distract him from his plans.
First off, the premise may not be entirely inventive, but it's just a tad more original than most children's films. Furthermore, I thought this movie was entertaining. Yes, it started a little slow at the beginning, but near the middle, the film picks up momentum. Moreover, I thought the performances were strong. Even the antagonists were pretty likable. Additionally, like I mentioned, the 3-D is the best since Avatar, no hyperbole. This 3-D is not conversion, it was actually shot in Real D 3-D which is certainly refreshing. Also, I just love those little minions. They are hilarious and just steal the show. You could make a movie about them and nobody else, yet you'd still enjoy the film.
While the pros outweigh the cons, there are still some flaws. First off, the movie starts off a little tedious. It isn't a chore to sit through in the beginning, but nothing is incredibly entertaining. Furthermore, this movie's direction is uneven. The director has a plethora of ideas, but none of them stick together. It's just kind of all over the place. Moreover, this movie is way too predictable, but that's kind of what's expected. Also, it is a somewhat original, but a subplot or two has been used before, which was a little disappointing.
Overall, "Despicable Me" is a pretty enjoyable family film. The jokes aren't too shabby, the performances are strong, and the premise is a little original. The 3-D is also an added bonus. It doesn't pack a punch like "How to Train Your Dragon" or "Toy Story 3", but it's still worthwhile on its own merits. Amazing? Not even close, but "Despicable", it is not. Despicable Me gets a mild recommendation in my book.