Despicable Me 4 (2024)

A Hilarious and Irreverent Addition to the Beloved Franchise

In the latest installment of the wildly popular “Despicable Me” franchise, “Despicable Me 4” delivers a delightfully chaotic and unapologetically silly adventure that will leave audiences in stitches. Directed by Chris Renaud, the mastermind behind the previous entries, this film embraces the franchise’s signature brand of irreverent humor and slapstick comedy, creating a viewing experience that is both entertaining and endearing.

The reformed supervillain Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) finds himself embroiled in a new adventure when his former classmate from Supervillain Hogwarts, the snooty Frenchman Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell), seeks revenge for a humiliation from their school days. Transforming himself into a genetically engineered cockroach man, Maxime, aided by his girlfriend Valentina (Sofia Vergara), wages war against Gru and his family, kidnapping their new baby, Gru Jr. As Gru and his wife Lucy (Kristen Wiig) navigate a suburban undercover life, they must find a way to thwart Maxime’s nefarious plans and rescue their child.

The film opens with a hilarious sequence that sets the tone for the madcap adventure to come. Gru, in his attempts to entertain his children, finds himself caught in a series of slapstick mishaps, accidentally jabbing himself with a sedative needle and riding a Minion like a miniature burro. This scene perfectly captures the film’s willingness to embrace the absurd and revel in physical comedy.

Chris Renaud’s direction is a masterclass in controlled chaos, seamlessly weaving together the film’s various comedic elements into a cohesive and entertaining whole. The animation is vibrant and expressive, with every frame bursting with energy and attention to detail. The visual gags and slapstick sequences are expertly choreographed, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of laughter.

One standout sequence involves Lucy’s disastrous attempt at hairstyling, which leads to a wealthy client chasing her through a supermarket in a scene reminiscent of the T-1000’s relentless pursuit in “Terminator 2: Judgment Day.” Renaud’s ability to seamlessly blend pop culture references with original comedic set pieces is a testament to his directorial prowess.

The voice cast delivers standout performances, breathing life into their respective characters with impeccable timing and comedic chops. Steve Carell’s portrayal of Gru is a highlight, capturing the character’s endearing awkwardness and transformation into a devoted father figure. His ability to find humor in the most mundane situations, such as accidentally getting swallowed by a beanbag chair, is a true delight.

Will Ferrell and Sofia Vergara make a delightfully villainous duo as Maxime and Valentina, reveling in their over-the-top antics and providing a perfect foil to Gru’s well-intentioned bumbling. Ferrell’s commitment to Maxime’s snooty French persona is a constant source of laughter, while Vergara brings a fiery energy to her role as his equally devious partner in crime.

Supporting characters like the teenage supervillain-in-training Poppy Prescott (Joey King) and the ever-present Minions add layers of humor and chaos to the proceedings, ensuring that there is never a dull moment. Poppy’s unwavering determination to become a supervillain, coupled with her awkward attempts at villainy, provide some of the film’s most hilarious moments.

Positive Aspects

1. Family-Friendly Fun:
   • “Despicable Me 4” is packed with family shenanigans and is perfect for kids of all ages. The film continues to deliver the lighthearted comedy and adventure that fans of the series have come to expect 1.
2. Strong Voice Cast:
   • The film features a talented voice cast, including Steve Carell as Gru, Kristen Wiig as Lucy, and Will Ferrell as the new villain Maxime Le Mal. Their performances add depth and humor to the characters 2 3.
3. Heartwarming Moments:
   • The movie includes several heartwarming moments, particularly involving Gru’s relationship with his new son, Gru Jr. These scenes add emotional depth to the otherwise comedic narrative 4 5.
4. Visual and Musical Appeal:
   • The film is aesthetically fun to watch, with vibrant animation and a catchy soundtrack composed by Heitor Pereira and Pharrell Williams. The visual gags and musical numbers, including Gru’s rendition of “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” are highlights 6 7 8.
5. Minions’ Antics:
   • The Minions continue to be a source of joy and laughter, with their insane antics and slapstick humor. Some of them even gain superpowers in this installment, adding a new twist to their usual mischief 9 10 11.

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Mixed to Negative Aspects

1. Predictable and Disjointed Plot:
   • Critics have noted that the film’s plot is somewhat predictable and disjointed, with too many subplots that don’t fully connect until the end. This lack of coherence can make the movie feel like a collection of loosely related scenes rather than a cohesive story 12 13 14.
2. Underdeveloped Villains:
   • The new villains, Maxime Le Mal and Valentina, are seen as weak and forgettable compared to previous antagonists in the series. Their lack of uniqueness and memorability detracts from the overall impact of the film 15 16 17.
3. Inconsistent Humor:
   • While the film has its funny moments, some jokes fall flat, particularly for adult viewers. The humor can be hit-or-miss, with some sequences feeling out of place or overly childish 18 19 20.
4. Lack of Character Development:
   • There is limited room for individual character development, as the focus is spread thin across multiple storylines and new characters. This can make it difficult for viewers to form strong connections with the characters 21 22.
5. Mixed Critical Reception:
   • The film has received mixed reviews from critics, with a 54% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 50 out of 100 on Metacritic. While some appreciate its family-friendly fun, others criticize its lack of depth and originality 23.

Overall Impact:

“Despicable Me 4” is a hilarious and irreverent addition to the beloved franchise, delivering a non-stop barrage of laughter and entertainment. While it may not be a groundbreaking cinematic achievement, it succeeds in providing a joyful and lighthearted escape from reality, reminding audiences of the simple pleasures of a well-crafted comedy.

The film’s strength lies in its ability to balance over-the-top slapstick with genuine emotional moments, ensuring that audiences are invested in the characters’ journeys amidst the chaos. Gru’s evolving relationship with his children, particularly the rebellious Gru Jr., adds a heartwarming layer to the madcap proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Is “Despicable Me 4” suitable for children?

A: Absolutely! The film’s humor is family-friendly, with a few mild innuendos that will likely go over younger viewers’ heads. It’s a perfect choice for a fun family outing, offering laughs for both kids and adults alike.

Q: How does this installment compare to the previous “Despicable Me” movies?

A: While it may not surpass the cultural impact of the original, “Despicable Me 4” maintains the franchise’s high standards for irreverent humor and heartwarming moments, making it a worthy addition to the series. The filmmakers have successfully captured the essence of what makes these movies so beloved while introducing fresh and hilarious new elements.

Q: Is there a strong emphasis on character development and storytelling?

A: While the film’s primary focus is on delivering laughs, there are still moments of genuine character growth and emotional resonance, particularly in Gru’s journey as a father figure. The writers strike a balance between comedic hijinks and character-driven storytelling, ensuring that audiences are invested in the characters’ arcs.

Q: Does the movie rely too heavily on slapstick and visual gags?

A: While slapstick and visual gags are prevalent, the film’s humor is well-balanced and never feels excessive or tiresome. The comedic timing and attention to detail in these sequences are impressive, and the filmmakers know when to dial it back and allow the characters’ personalities to shine through.

Q: How does the voice cast perform?

A: The voice cast is exceptional, with standout performances from Steve Carell, Will Ferrell, and Sofia Vergara. Each actor brings their unique comedic talents to their respective roles, elevating the overall quality of the film. The chemistry between the cast members is palpable, and their ability to bounce off one another’s energy is a true delight.

Q: Does the film offer anything new for fans of the franchise?

A: Absolutely! While maintaining the core elements that fans have come to love, “Despicable Me 4” introduces fresh and hilarious new characters, like the villainous duo of Maxime and Valentina, as well as Poppy Prescott. The film also explores new settings and storylines, keeping the franchise feeling fresh and exciting.