fast-paced, colorful and inventive

Rating: 7/10 (6 July 2011)

Gru, a Russian-born inventor and thief, desperate to be known as the number one villain on the planet, comes up with a scheme to steal the moon and hold it for ransom – all with the help of an army of cylinder-shaped minions he made himself. But Gru's life is eventually turned around after he adopts three adorable tykes whom he initially intends to make unwitting participants in his diabolical plan but who, instead, wind up making him question his own commitment to a life of crime.
Directed by Peter Coffin and Chris Renaud, "Despicable Me" is a colorful, witty and fast-paced animated feature that has just the right amount of humor, sentiment and moral lessons to make it a well-balanced treat for children and oldsters alike. The frequent and exciting action sequences also make this ideal viewing for those with deficient attention spans (which seems to include just about all of us these days). The design of the characters is clever and amusing, and the voice work – by Steve Carrell, Will Arnett, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, and a virtually unrecognizable Julie Andrews - is excellent as well.