With it’s Looney Tunes-esque humor and a refreshing sense of throwing caution to the wind, “Despicable Me” is a classic. Three years later we now have a sequel, with Gru and the Minions back for more hijinks that’s sure to delight audiences around the world. As for me though, I left disappointed; unfortunately “Despicable Me 2” is a repetitive and plodding as the first movie was joyous and hilarious.
Gru (Steve Carell) has become a pretty great dad to his three kids, Margo, Edith and Agnes, and has given up his super villain ways. However, the Anti-Villain League wants to bring him back for an assignment, one that involves stopping a potential new villain and being paired up with Lucy (Kristen Wiig), an overly enthusiastic spy who’s a big fan of Gru. With the help of his minions, Gru will try to save the world, become a better father, and maybe even find time for a little romance.
In terms of sequels to popular animated films, “Despicable Me 2” is less “Toy Story 2” and more “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” as this film doesn’t so much come up with new gags and memorable moments, as much as repeat stuff from the first one in larger fashions. Only when these minions are allowed to do different kinds of comedy (such as sing dramatic tunes in their gibberish language, or, my personal favorite, one minions imagined romantic odyssey with Lucy), do they reach the comedic heights of the first movie. Otherwise, it just feels pointless and ridiculous.
The emotional moments in the film similarly suffer from a “been-there-done-that” vibe, though a flashback sequence with a young version of Gru is one of the few moments that works perfectly in giving the character some emotional depth. I also enjoyed some of the voice acting in the film, especially Kristen Wiig and Benjamin Bratt’s performances in the movie’s new characters, and of course Steve Carell continues to be perfect in the lead role of Gru.
“Despicable Me 2” never reaches the heights of the first film, which is a real pity considering the story and cast had potential to hit true greatness. It’s not bad, it’s truly not, but it is a disappointment in how it settles for the bland and predictable when the first movie strived for lunacy and delightful fun. If you want a safe kids movie, you could do worse, though you could also do much better.
