Despicable Me 2 - Twice as fun!
How do you make a funny movie about an evil villain gone good funny a second time? You add in the new dilemmas of fatherhood and dating, then sit back and watch the hilarity unfold! 'Despicable Me 2', while not quite as inspired as the first, is light on it's feet and very nimble with not only the sight gags, but just enough adult humor to keep Mom and Dad engaged. Well worth the price of the extra admission for 3D, 'Despicable Me 2' has the good sense to brighten the screen and take full advantage of the 3D technology.
Gru (Steve Carell) is now a stay at home parent, intent on raising his 3 adopted daughters: Margo, Agnes & Edith; having given up his super villain ways, Gru begins the life of a jam & jelly entrepreneur. With his trusty Minions as his workers and the once evil Dr. Nefario (Russell Brand) as his partner, he sets out to try and live a normal life. This does not last for long though as Gru is recruited by the AVL (Anti Villain League) to help capture whomever has stolen a lethal potion that creates monsters. With his new partner, the go getting Lucy (Kristen Wiig), they set themselves up in a shop working undercover as cup cake bakers.
The first 'Despicable Me' was a bit of a surprise to not only the studios, but the audiences as well. It was a very heartfelt and moving comedy that surprised everyone. Even more surprising, it was released by a studio not known for it's animation. Both features are served well by the fantastic vocal talents of Steve Carell as Gru and of course by the hilarious antics of the yellow tubed Minions. I am not sure what mish mash of languages they speak, but you always seem to understand what they are saying and it is hilarious.
Where 'Despicable Me' centered the plot around the 3 children turning the evil Gru (with a soft heart) into a good guy; 'Despicable Me 2' centers the plot around the now good guy Gru trying to make his way. Loaded with a lot more cartoon mayhem, the kind you expect in a Warner Bros short, 'Despicable Me 2' ramps up the laughs and doubles down on their winning hand played by the Minions. Be sure to stay for the end credits as some of the more ingenious use of the 3D is played out! This is a 4 star effort well worth a couple of viewings!