The minion characters in the film “Despicable Me 2” are hilarious. (Photo credit: Universal Pictures)
‘Despicable Me 2’ an energetic, witty sequel
It’s rare in a world of sequels, remakes and ripoffs to be impressed when a “Part 2” comes out. So, it was a great surprise to watch “Despicable Me 2” and leave the theater with a healthy dose of respect for the adorably witty sequel.
Following the 2010 animated hit, “DM2” manages to avoid most pitfalls that befall second installments. While it doesn’t have the same pizazz “Despicable Me” had (which is almost normal these days), it does fulfill its primary duty as family-friendly summer fun. It’s funny and sleek, beautifully animated (a fantastic use of 3-D if you choose to see it in that format) and clever enough to entertain those older than the natural target audience.
Diverging from the original storyline where our main character, Gru (voiced by a returning and still perfectly cast Steve Carell, who nailed inflection and tone with every line) was the Dr. Evil-style bad guy, “DM2” shows off our favorite villain as a doting father to three adorable girls. It’s hard to be evil when those girls slay you with their puppy eyes.
Directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud and written by Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul, “DM2” contains just as many zany characters as its predecessor, most notably the love interest, Lucy (voiced by Kristen Wiig, “Bridesmaids”). A peppy agent from the Anti-Villain League, she uses her feminine wiles to help coax Gru to join forces with the League. The following dialogue between Carell and Wiig? Delightful.
There’s a natural synergy between the cast as a whole, and the voice acting for “DM2” is a true gem. Russell Brand and all his craziness as Dr. Nefario, Gru’s No. 2, is a great fit, and the connections between the gents and Lucy will leave you smiling.
The plot, though silly, shows an honest attempt to not copy the success of “DM1.” Here, Lucy has enlisted Gru’s help to stop a dastardly mastermind who holds an injectable serum capable of transforming the infected into terrifying powerful monsters. The League has managed to triangulate the possible location of the suspects to one mall. Gru and Lucy are assigned to find the culprits, with Gru’s yellow minions in tow. (As usual, these guys are hilarious.)
There are a few references to popular spy movies, but “DM2” stands well just on its own. Particular scenes, including dates and dance sequences, are instantly memorable and plenty of fun for the entire audience.
And while “DM2” may have its slow moments (what movie doesn’t?) and is more smile-worthy than gut-busting with its humor, overall it’s just a blast of crazy fun. Just what the doctor (or villain-turned-anti-hero) ordered.
Three zany stars out of five.
Silver Screening Reviews 