Despicable Me 4 Proves Sequels Don’t Need To Keep Getting Worse
Franchises have a reputation for getting progressively worse as each new sequel arrives in theaters, and for good reason. Still, there are a few exceptions, and the Despicable Me franchise is one of them. Despicable Me 4, in theaters now, is a true delight. And, as it looks like it might be our last one, may we enjoy it as it was meant to be enjoyed, in the cinema with popcorn and candy.
The Growing Family
The Despicable Me franchise began in 2010 with Steve Carell as Gru, a villain with a heart of gold and hundreds of little yellow minions. When he adopted three orphaned sisters, Margo, Edith, and Agnes, for nefarious purposes, he ended up falling head over heels for them, and a family of the most unlikely type was formed.
Since that time, the family has added Lucy (Kristen Wiig) as the wife to Gru, a stepmother to the girls, and a superhero in her own right. Despicable Me 4 introduces the newest member, Gru Jr., Lucy, and Gru’s son.
Gru’s Past Catches Up With Him
The premise of Despicable Me 4 is that Gru and Lucy have to go into a safe house to hide from a man who has broken out of prison and vows to get revenge on Gru. Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell), it seems, is an old childhood rival of Gru’s from their time at the villain school, Lycee Pas Bon. He and his partner, Valentina (Sofia Vergara) are intent on tracking Gru down in hiding and stealing his baby.
Witness Protection
But of course, Despicable Me 4 would not leave us with such a simple plot. While in hiding, Gru and his family must take on alternate identities given to them by their employer, the Anti-Villain League, to provide for their curious neighbors.
Gru is now a solar panel salesman, and Lucy is a hairdresser despite having zero experience with hair. However, the daughter of their pompous next-door neighbors, the Prescotts, Poppy (Joey King) is an aspiring villain herself and instantly recognizes Gru from his notorious villain days.
The Rise Of Poppy
What is wonderful about Despicable Me 4 is that none of this feels boring or overplayed. Poppy blackmails Gru into breaking into his old school, which Poppy hopes to attend, in order to kidnap the wild honey badger kept in the office of Gru’s old principal. So, Gru, Gru Jr., two minions, and Poppy all set off on this escapade. Meanwhile, Gru’s boss, Silas Ramsbottom (Steve Coogan), is experimenting with the minions to create superheroes, such as Megaminions.
The results are a hilarious mix of Marvel and DC-like characters in the form of giant, stretchy, or fire-breathing yellow guys.
Slapstick Family Friendly Chaos
REVIEW SCORE
There are so many wonderful, silly, slapstick moments in Despicable Me 4 that it stands as a refreshing reminder that animation can still be great. After the ridiculous chaos that was Garfield, it’s nice to know that you can still find fun, funny, animated kids’ movies that grown-ups can enjoy, too.
