It is not highly memorable, but it is entertaining

Rating: 7/10 (31 July 2010)

Even though the general quality of animation cinema in Hollywood is quite poor, I had some interest in watching Despicable Me, because its voice cast included some solid comedians (Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Will Arnett, Russell Brand and Kristen Wiig), so I thought they would bring their personality and humorous instincts to what seemed to be another bland family story.And they made a good work, but to my surprise, the film also ended up being entertaining and nice.
I guess I am not the only member of my generation who is tired of the modern childish entertainment, designed by marketers, psychologists, lawyers and pedagogues in order not to "trauma" or impress the children too much, or inevitably damaging their frail minds (at the same time they are prepared for the delights of the consumerism).So, I always appreciate the slight efforts of films which dare themselves to introduce a little bit of "edge" in the shape of black humor, funny misanthropy or a simple subtext which will not be understood by little children.And even though Despicable Me does not posses a high level of subversion or audacity, it at least adds a healthy dose of those elements to its predictable story, and those brief moments of twisted laughs are what I most enjoyed from it, along with the voice acting.On the other hand, the screenplay feels a bit weak and inflated with the accustomed filler of slapstick humor.There are scenes which work well, but other ones lack of imagination, and their only purpose is introducing noise and action in order to liven the slowest moments from the story.
For the rest, co-directors Pierre Renaud and Chris Coffin drive the film at a good rhythm, and I also appreciated some deep details from the screenplay, like the relationship between the main character and his mother, Dr. Nefarius' seriousness and the satire of a bank which finances arch-villains to their own benefit.I think that I liked Despicable Me for those interesting details, and not so much for its cloying main story, with adorable (translation: a bit irritating) who soften the heart of someone who is not really bad...only misunderstood.However, I think this movie deserves a recommendation because, even though the final experience is not very memorable, I cannot deny it kept me entertained the whole time.