Despicible Me 4 review

Despicable Me 4 took me on an exhilarating ride through Gru's latest escapades. As a long-time fan of the Despicable Me franchise, I knew I had to see the fourth installment right on opening weekend. Boy, was it an experience! In this review, I'll delve into the nooks and crannies of this animated comedy, exploring the plot, character development, animation quality, and much more.

Plot: A Riveting Roller Coaster

The movie kept me in suspense from beginning to end. Gru relocating his family to a safe house when his old rival, Maxime Le Mal, seeks revenge had just the right mix of intensity and humor. The subplots were well interwoven, dealing with the family's adjustment to their new lives, a teenage neighbor aspiring to follow Gru's villainous footsteps, and the Minions attempting to become superheroes. Each strand seamlessly connected to the main narrative, making for a captivating storyline.

Character Development: New Faces and Old Friends

I was thrilled to see the return of Gru, played by Steve Carell, whose voice work remains as iconic as ever. Kristen Wiig, as Lucy Wilde, brought warmth and wit to Gru's determined wife. The introduction of Will Ferrell’s Maxime Le Mal, enhanced with cockroach parts, added a fascinating but slightly creepy dimension. Joey King's portrayal of Poppy Prescott, the eager-to-be-supervillainess neighbor, provided fresh energy to the mix.

Animation Quality: Visual Splendor

I must commend the animation team for their exceptional work. Each frame bursts with color and meticulous detail, from the vibrant settings like the new town of Mayflower to the grim yet comically exaggerated lairs. Even the smallest of Minions exhibited lifelike gestures, contributing to the film's visual appeal.

Humor: A Mixed Bag

The comedic elements had me laughing out loud on numerous occasions. Gru's mishaps, the Minions' antics, and the absurdity of a cockroach-enhanced villain provided plenty of hearty laughs. However, some jokes seemed a bit recycled from previous films, leading to occasional moments of predictability.

Voice Cast: Stellar Performances

The voice cast did not disappoint. Steve Carell and Kristen Wiig delivered performances brimming with emotion and comedic timing. Will Ferrell brought Maxime Le Mal to life with a menacing yet hilarious French accent, and Joey King's Poppy added a dash of rebellious charm. The Minions, voiced by Pierre Coffin, remained the adorable and hilarious glue that held everything together.

Musical Score: A Perfect Backdrop

Heitor Pereira’s score, with original songs by Pharrell Williams, provided the perfect backdrop to the film's antics. The music subtly underscored each scene’s emotional tone, whether it was the intense moments of conflict or the tender family reunions. Pharrell’s catchy tunes had me tapping my foot throughout.

Character Rigging: Technical Excellence

I was impressed by how some older characters received rigging and surfacing updates, contributing to the smooth and modern appearance of the animation. The meticulous work put into revamping these characters showcased the technical prowess of the animation team.

Action Sequences: Thrills and Spills

The action sequences were a visual treat. Watching Gru fight off Maxime with the help of his son, now a cockroach hybrid, was a blend of humor and excitement. The Megaminions' antics added another layer of chaos, making these scenes even more enjoyable.

Emotional Depth: More Than Just Comedy

I particularly appreciated the film’s attempts to explore deeper emotional themes. Gru's relationship with his biological son, Gru Jr., added a layer of complexity and heart to the narrative. The moment Gru's encouraging words brought Gru Jr. back to his senses was genuinely touching and one of my favorite moments.

Supervillain Antics: A Fun Exploration

Maxime’s plan to turn people into human-roach hybrids was ludicrously entertaining. I found myself both horrified and fascinated by his over-the-top schemes. His character added a delightful amount of absurdity, staying true to the franchise’s tradition.

Production Quality: Pandemic Hurdles Overcome

Given that most of the production occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, the quality was commendable. The film did not show any signs of being hindered by the pandemic’s constraints. On the contrary, it felt like a polished, well-executed project.

Supporting Characters: Underused but Entertaining

While I enjoyed the addition of new faces like the Prescotts, I felt some supporting characters were underutilized. The Megaminions had potential but didn't get as much screen time as I would have liked. Similarly, the principal of Lycée Pas Bon, Übelschlecht, was entertaining but could have been more fleshed out.

Marketing and Trailers: Creating Expectations

The marketing campaign for Despicable Me 4 was well-executed. The trailers released during the NFL playoff games and Super Bowl LVIII built significant anticipation. I enjoyed the sneak peeks and was particularly excited about the music selection in the trailers, which included tracks like "Sweet Child O' Mine."

Conclusion: A Roller Coaster of Emotions

Overall, Despicable Me 4 delivered a delightful blend of humor, emotion, and action. While it did have moments of predictability and underused characters, the positives outweighed the negatives for me. The film managed to stay true to the spirit of the franchise while bringing in fresh elements to keep the audience engaged.

Pros:

• Engaging plot full of twists and turns;
• Stellar voice performances, particularly by Carell and Ferrell;
• Exceptional animation quality;
• Memorable music score and original songs;
• Emotional depth is added through Gru and Gru Jr.'s relationship;
• Well-executed action sequences and humorous moments;
• Comedic elements tied the narrative together effectively.

Cons:

• Some jokes felt repetitive and predictable;
• Underutilized supporting characters such as the Megaminions;
• Certain plotlines felt slightly overcrowded.