Despicable But So Much More

Rating: 8/10 (23 July 2010)

The criticisms I've seen leveled at "Despicable Me" seem to be mostly that it isn't original and doesn't measure up to Pixar. My response: True but irrelevant. What this movie lacks in originality it makes up for with bucketloads of charm, personality and neat little jabs of humor for adults as well as kids. The pop culture references include the Bank of Evil's sign reading "Formerly Lerman Brothers" and the Vector/Victor naming of Gru's nemesis - shades of "Airplane!"
Steve Carell's Gru is a terrific creation, a villain with a moon fixation who has longed for his mother's love all his life. The three orphan girls he adopts as part of his nefarious plan to steal the moon quickly worm their way into his heart as he finds out that he loves being a father figure to them. Watching Gru agonize over a scheduling conflict - steal the moon or attend the girls' dance recital? - is just wonderful.
I freely admit that I'm a sucker for a happy ending, but I hate feeling manipulated; "Despicable Me" was a pleasant surprise in that respect. The caliber of the writing and acting in DM ensures that it doesn't sink into sugary goo. The animation of the characters is also fantastic, and to see this big guy surrounded by tiny girls is really something. Gru may be slipping into middle age, but compare the way he is drawn with Vector's teeny shoulders and pot belly. The audience is predisposed to believe him the stronger and more competent of the two villains, as of course he turns out to be.
The minions are fantastic. Though they look almost exactly alike, Gru clearly recognizes each of them as individuals and calls them by name - another endearing trait. Their shining moment comes during the credits, and allow me to say that the film should definitely be seen in 3D for this reason alone. Bottom line: I loved it. Highly recommended.