Despicable Me 4 review

Just last weekend, my family and I embarked on an eagerly-anticipated cinematic journey, heading to the theater to watch Despicable Me 4. Being long-time fans of the franchise, we had high expectations. I must admit, I found myself at a crossroads, deciding whether to categorize this film as a delightful escape or just another mediocre sequel. Today, I will attempt to unpick this puzzle that Illumination Studios has presented us with.

The Legacy of Despicable Me

Before diving into Despicable Me 4, it’s essential to appreciate the history behind the franchise. The series commenced in 2010, introducing Gru, a lovable villain with an oversized heart, and his army of Minions. Each subsequent film built on the foundation of quirky humor and heartfelt moments, making it a favorite for families around the world.

The magic formula behind the success of Despicable Me lay largely in its unique ability to balance laugh-out-loud comedy with touching themes of family and redemption. Naturally, as we settled into our seats for the fourth installment, we anticipated yet another amusing and emotionally fulfilling ride.

The Animation

If there's one element that Despicable Me 4 gets unequivocally right, it's the animation. The film continues with the familiar, vibrant, and cartoony style that defines the series. The colorful and exaggerated visuals make it aesthetically pleasing and engaging for both children and adults alike.

The Minions' antics, whether individual or as a group, are animated with such precision that their charm and zaniness keep you hooked. Unfortunately, however, even the most stunning animation can't cover up the film’s more significant shortcomings.

The Voice Acting

Another standout aspect of Despicable Me 4 is its stellar voice cast. Steve Carell as Gru and Kristen Wiig as Lucy deliver performances that are as spirited and engaging as ever. Their vocal inflections breathe life into the characters in a way that feels both familiar and fresh.

Even Steve Coogan and new additions like Will Ferrell add a layer of enthusiasm and commitment to their roles, infusing the narrative with moments of vocal brilliance. Voice acting remains one of the franchise’s enduring strengths, but it's not quite enough to elevate a scattered storyline.

The Storyline

The storyline in Despicable Me 4 tries to juggle multiple plots and subplots, which, unfortunately, turns into a disjointed narrative. Each character seems to have their arc, contributing to a lack of coherence that makes the overall story hard to follow.

From Gru’s battles with his past classmate-turned-villain Maxime Le Mal to the various escapades and misadventures of the Minions, there’s simply too much happening without a solid thread to tie it all together. While the chaos might entertain younger audiences, it leaves adults wishing for a more streamlined plot.

The Humor

Humor has always been a hallmark of the Despicable Me series, and this installment certainly does not skimp on the laughs. The Minions, with their slapstick antics and gibberish language, remain as hilarious as ever. Some scenes had the entire audience in fits of laughter, proving that the comedic charm is still intact.

However, some jokes strayed into slightly inappropriate territory, making me wince at the idea of my kids repeating them at school. Despite these few missteps, the humor largely hit the mark, providing enough light-hearted moments to keep us entertained.

The New Villain

Introducing a new villain is always a risky move. Maxime Le Mal, voiced by Will Ferrell, is an intriguing addition to the Despicable Me universe. His transformation into a genetically-engineered cockroach man and subsequent vendetta against Gru adds a layer of absurdity that fits well within the franchise's tone.

However, Maxime's backstory and motives felt underdeveloped. While the humor in his character was apparent, his lack of depth made him less compelling as an antagonist. The missed potential here is evident, leaving me yearning for a more fleshed-out villain.

The Subplots

The film is stuffed with multiple subplots that, unfortunately, contribute to its disjointed feel. From Gru and Lucy's attempts to blend into a pretentious suburb to the Minions embarking on their separate adventures, there’s so much happening that it becomes overwhelming.

The subplot involving Gru’s baby, Gru Jr., rejecting his father's attempts to bond could have been more impactful if given more screen time and development. Instead, we get snippets that fail to tug at the heartstrings as previous films managed so effortlessly.

The Emotional Quotient

One of the reasons the earlier films resonated so deeply was their emotional core. Whether it was Gru's unexpected adoption of his daughters or the Minions’ unwavering loyalty, the emotional depth enriched the viewing experience.

In Despicable Me 4, the emotional beats feel somewhat forced and rushed. The movie attempts to deliver its message about the importance of family, but the fragmented storylines dilute its impact. While there are a few moments that evoke genuine emotion, they are too few and far between.

Cultural and Social Commentary

One of the more surprising aspects of Despicable Me 4 is its subtle commentary on modern society. The depiction of the suburban lifestyle, complete with McMansions and artificial social constructs, offers a satirical look at contemporary consumerism and societal norms.

The visual gags and marginalia, from Atomic Sugar Bombz cereals to the superficialities of suburban residents, will resonate with adults, providing an ironic commentary that flies over the heads of younger viewers but adds an interesting layer to the film.

The Minions Factor

Love them or hate them, the Minions are the beating heart of the Despicable Me franchise. In this installment, they are as energetic and mischievous as ever. Their slapstick comedy and irreverent antics steal the show, providing some much-needed levity.

Despite the original plot being all over the place, the Minions’ knack for transforming mundane tasks into comedic gold keeps the energy levels high. It’s impossible to imagine a Despicable Me film without their bumbling presence.

The Directorial Approach

Chris Renaud, who directed the first two films and The Secret Life of Pets movies, returns to helm Despicable Me 4. His directorial approach remains consistent with the franchise's visual and comedic styles, maintaining a sense of familiarity and continuity.

However, Renaud’s attempt at weaving multiple storylines into a cohesive narrative falls short. The movie feels more like a collection of sketch comedy bits rather than a unified story, which detracts from its overall impact. Nonetheless, his flair for visual comedy shines through.

The Overall Experience

It's undeniable that Despicable Me 4 manages to entertain. Despite its narrative flaws, the film provides enough laughter and visual delight to keep audiences engaged for its duration. The vibrant animation, excellent voice acting, and iconic Minion humor make it a fun watch, even if it doesn’t quite measure up to its predecessors.

The sheer joy on my kids’ faces confirmed that, from their perspective, the movie had succeeded in providing a delightful break from routine. Their laughter and excitement are a testament to the film's ability to captivate its intended audience.

The Long-Term Impact

One of the critical factors in categorizing a film as "not garbage" is its long-term impact. Will Despicable Me 4 leave a lasting impression? Will it be a movie that my family will want to revisit or one that becomes a fleeting memory?

While it may not have the staying power of the earlier films in the series, Despicable Me 4 still offers enough entertainment value to warrant a second viewing. However, it lacks the depth and cohesion necessary for it to stand the test of time as a family classic.

Is It Garbage or Not-Garbage?

So, where does Despicable Me 4 fall on the garbage/not-garbage spectrum? It’s a tough call. The film has its moments of brilliance, particularly in the animation and humor departments, but its scattered storyline and occasional inappropriate jokes prevent it from being a straightforward “not-garbage.”

If I had to categorize it, I’d say it straddles the line. It's not outright garbage, but it falls short of the high bar set by its predecessors. Viewing it from a parent’s perspective, the movie provides enough value to merit a family outing, but it doesn't quite deliver the cohesive, heartwarming experience we've come to expect.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Despicable Me 4 is a mixed bag. It offers plenty of laughs and visual enjoyment, thanks largely to the Minions and excellent voice performances. However, its disjointed storylines and occasional missteps in humor prevent it from reaching the heights of the earlier films.

While it may not be an indispensable addition to the franchise, it still serves its purpose as an entertaining family film. If your children enjoy the Minions and you’re looking for a light-hearted distraction, it’s worth a watch. Just be prepared for a film that's more scattershot than cohesive, and you might find yourself wishing for a little more substance beneath the surface.