“Fun, Funnier And More Fun Is Despicable Me 2”
Written by Lorenzo Marchessi
This sequel is exactly up to par with the first film and in some scenes with its clever gags, even surpasses the original in many scenes. Directors Pierre Coffin (Despicable Me, Minions) and Chris Renaud (Despicable Me, The Lorax) did a wonderful job of keeping a strong family based story and more than relatable characters at the forefront of the film. Ken Daurio (Despicable Me The Lorax) and Cinco Paul (Despicable Me, The Lorax) also came back as the original writers to write this really heartfelt screenplay where the story is a about a new father, his ambition to contribute to society and an unexpected twist, how he, the once evil genius of the world, could ever love or be loved.
Gru is reprized by amazing Steve Carrell (The Office, 40 Year Old Virgin) again and is recruited by the Ant-Villain League (AVL) to help thwart the new mysterious criminal mastermind trying to take over the world. Kristin Wiig (Bridesmaids, How To train Your Dragon) plays Lucy who is the AVL’s leading agent chosen to recruit Gru into their cause. What ensues is nothing short of two fishes out of water who are completely opposites of each other learning that they actually complement each other more then they disagree with each other. Their humor is abundant and their relationships, for an animated feature, is truly genuine.
Now I can’t forget the wonderful performances of the three children Gru has adopted from the first film. Elsie Kate Fisher (Raising Hope, Mike & Molly) plays Agnes, the adorable, curious, extremely sharp and most direct 5 year old you’ll ever meet. Her older sisters Edith played by Dana Gainer (30 Rock, Home Makeover) and Margo played by Miranda Cosgrove (The Good Wife, iCarly) seems to be great supportive sisters and surprise, Margo being the oldest, begins to notice boys. Added with everything else, Gru has his hands full, non-stop, throughout the film!
Gru’s number one assistant is back voiced cleverly by Russell Brand (Get Him To The Greek, Arthur) and he has another agenda that also confuses Gru into doing what is right. Now let’s add some villains – or some you think are good guys – wink, wink – Benjamin Bratt (Miss Congeniality, Law & Order) plays Eduardo (and his alias) with such witty dialogue in his Mexican accent, you’ll be swooned into his charms as well. Steve Coogan (Around The World In 8- Days, Tropic Thunder) plays the head of the AVL and gives Gru more than enough reasons to help them out although the Minions seem to make fun of him all the time.
Now I am saving the best for last. The Minions are back! Wow, they are funny, clever, dumb-witted, strange, hysterical, bizarre and I could not see a movie without them right next to Gru at his side (top, bottom, left, right, etc.). You’ll laugh at their quirkiness and be charmed by their dedication to their boss and his kids. There are hundreds of them this time and they all have their own personalities, specialties and quirks that will make you smile every time one is on screen. Oh, don’t leave at the end of the movie during the credits, they have more to offer – keep watching (if you like to laugh that is)!
Just a pure fun family film and quite a treat to know the sequel is just as good and in some place better, than the original. The adults will have fun with this one and Gru, the girls and the Minions will keep the kids rolling in their seats. Don’t miss this one!