This entire franchise is a blur to me. Every installment succeeds in delivering various levels of entertainment, but not one single episode is particularly memorable. That said, I had some fun watching the latest movie in this saga, but at the end of the day, I cannot honestly say that this film will actually stay with me.
Felonious Gru (Steve Carell) accepts his invitation to a class reunion at his high school, Lycée Pas Bon, as an agent of the Anti-Villain League. His sole purpose is to apprehend Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell), a supervillain who must pay for his most heinous crimes. Gru and his team manage to capture Maxime. Still, when his antagonist eventually escapes imprisonment, Gru and his family must go into hiding under a witness protection program where they have to pretend to be a “normal” family.
On the whole, I found Despicable Me 4 to be an enjoyable film. The story, while simple and somewhat predictable, is peppered with silly jokes and pop culture references that keep the movie entertaining. The humor, crafted by Mike White and Ken Daurio, and the direction of Chris Renaud, make this film a fun watch. While it may not be a standout in the world of animated cinema, I found myself laughing often and having a great time at the theater.
The movie has a solid voice cast, with Carell, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, Steve Coogan, Pierre Coffin, and Dana Gaier reprising their roles. Stephen Colbert and Joey King’s voice work adds to the movie’s amusement. Sofia Vergara voices Maxime’s girlfriend, Valentina, but is barely used in the film. Will Ferrell is an absolute treat as the villain Maxime, but his character’s development could be improved.
Despicable Me 4 is a solid addition to the franchise, offering a familiar yet enjoyable experience. While it may not introduce any groundbreaking new adventures, it’s sure to be a hit with children, especially those who are already invested in the characters and previous stories. This film is a fine choice for a cozy movie night at home.