Despicable Me 2

***
Release Date: July 3rd 2013

Gru is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to help deal with a powerful new super criminal.  

Directors: Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud (Despicable Me, Dr Seuss' The Lorax)

Starring: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt, Russell Brand, Ken Jeong, Steve Coogan

The first Despicable me was a surprising smash hit in the box office charts back in 2010. Gru, an evil villian who's shadowed by a rather cunning villian, adopts three sweet orphans and tries to steal what has been stolen from him.


The original focuses on Gru and his attempt to stay despicable. His despicable antics are forever thwarted by the three sisters. Enter the minions. They are adorable, terrific little sidekicks. Through word-of-mouth they've become the most lovable characters in animation. I'm a fan. Everyone I've spoken to about DM is a fan. 

Enter Despicable Me 2. It shifts focus, making the minions an entirely central character. The story follows Gru (Carell), who joins the Anti-Villian League (AVL). He's partnered up with Lucy (Wiig), another AVL agent who shows interest in Gru. The films' running time would drop dramatically if the minions didn't take so much of the action. They are excused because they are so incredibly cute.

DM2 doesn't make use of it's villian either. El Mucho (Bratt) is weak, and a little disappointing. A large part of this is to do with a volcano and the fact that he's not menacing enough to be taken seriously as a villain.

There's still plenty to enjoy for everyone. Some may notice familiar film references, others will pick up on jokes adult themed jokes. There's a beautiful string of shots that replicate a scene in Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of Clones. See if you notice it. 

It's the little things that makes Despicable Me 2 stand out. The animator's attention to detail has expanded. Facial expressions, character features and sound are all superb. 

Overview: Lacks despicable tidings compared to its predecessor. If you love the minions you will not fault in loving this.