Despicable Me 4 Review

Despicable Me 4 returns with our favourite ex-villain turned hero, Gru, who is now settled into a cozy family life. However, the peace doesn't last long as a vengeful villain emerges, forcing Gru and his family to go underground with the help of the agency. Amidst the chaos, a blackmailing neighbour adds to their woes, and the movie unfolds with twists and connections that tie back to Gru's past.

Despicable Me 4 is like a well-worn pair of shoes - comfortable, familiar and reliable. It doesn't break new ground, but is still a solid entry in the franchise, since it knows its audience and caters to them well. The movie is a mix of hilarious Minion mayhem and predictable storytelling, making it an enjoyable watch for families. While it may not reach the heights of its predecessors, it still hits the mark for a fun, if not particularly memorable, animated adventure.

Steve Carell as Gru is as charming as ever, delivering his lines with the perfect mix of gruff and goofy. Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove and the rest of the cast reprise their roles with enthusiasm, though the material doesn't always give them much to work with. The real stars, as always, are the Minions, whose slapstick antics and nonsensical chatter steal every scene they're in. And the credit goes to Pierre Coffin, who has given voice to all the Minions in the entire franchise. He has consistently made the meaningless chatter of the Minions more meaningful over the course of the movies.

Visually, Despicable Me 4 is a treat. The animation is top-notch, with vibrant colours and detailed environments that pop in 3D. The action sequences are well-crafted, and the Minions' escapades are a visual delight. However, the movie's reliance on gags and visual humour sometimes overshadows the narrative depth, leaving the story feeling thin.

So, should you give one and a half hours of your life to Despicable Me 4? If you're a fan of the franchise or looking for a fun family outing with kids, then yes, absolutely. This fourth iteration squarely targets kids. The movie delivers laughs, heart-warming moments, and the familiar charm of Gru and his yellow sidekicks. It's perfect for kids, and a decent watch for adults who enjoy light-hearted animated films. However, if you're seeking a film with a strong plot and character development, you might want to lower your expectations.

Despicable Me 4 may not wow the critics, but it will surely entertain its target audience. So, grab your popcorn, gather the kids, and get ready for another round of Minion madness. After all, sometimes we all need a bit of silly fun, even if it comes in a familiar package.