Despicable Me 4,” the latest instalment in the beloved franchise, continues the adventures of Gru, his family, and, of course, the ever-adorable Minions. Directed by Chris Renaud, the film delivers a fresh dose of the humour, heart, and mischief that fans have come to expect, while also expanding on the series’ core themes of family and redemption.
The story picks up with Gru (voiced by Steve Carell), now fully settled into his role as a father and hero, facing a new set of challenges that test his loyalties and his past. The film does a commendable job of balancing the various elements that have made the series a hit: the goofy antics of the Minions, the heartwarming moments with Gru’s daughters, and the over-thetop villainy that has always been a hallmark of the franchise.
On the villain side, Maxime Le Mal (voiced by Will Ferrell) is a decent antagonist with his exaggerated accent and silly design, reminiscent of Gru himself. However, Will Ferrell’s performance, while competent, may leave some viewers longing for the impact that his “Megamind” character had in 2010, a film that never quite achieved the same level of success as the “Despicable Me” franchise.
The Minions, too, are given a subplot that feels disconnected from the main story. Most of them are kept at the Anti-Villain League headquarters for safety, while a few are injected with a super serum to become Mega Minions. Despite their prominent placement in the film’s promotional material, their presence in the movie feels unnecessary, as their adventure could have easily been cut without affecting the plot.\
Visually, the film is a treat, with vibrant animation that brings the world of “Despicable Me” to life in stunning detail. The Minions, as always, steal the show with their slapstick humor and nonsensical language, providing plenty of laughs for audiences of all ages. The action sequences, particularly a chase scene involving Lucy (voiced by Kristen Wiig), Gru’s wife, and an Anti-Villain League agent, along with the kids in a grocery store, offer some entertainment but don’t add much depth to the story.
One of the standout features of “Despicable Me 4” is its ability to maintain the charm of its predecessors while introducing new characters and dynamics. The film also introduces a new villain, whose presence adds a fresh layer of conflict that challenges Gru’s growth as a character.
However, while “Despicable Me 4” is undoubtedly entertaining, it does occasionally feel like it’s treading familiar ground. The plot follows a somewhat predictable path, and some of the jokes and set pieces feel like rehashes of previous films.
That said, the film’s charm and the affection audiences have for its characters help it rise above these minor shortcomings.
In conclusion, “Despicable Me 4” is a worthy addition to the franchise. It delivers the laughs and heart that fans have come to love, while also adding new layers to the story of Gru and his family. While it may not be the most groundbreaking entry in the series, it’s a fun and enjoyable ride that will leave audiences smiling.
