Despicable Me 4 review

Watching “Despicable Me 4” was an experience that, at its core, is rather difficult to neatly categorize. With its mix of slapstick humor, myriad plotlines, and a host of familiar characters, it was both entertaining and exasperating. Having seen the previous movies in the franchise, my family and I were eager to catch the latest installment. Although it had some enjoyable moments, I found myself constantly juggling between amusement and bewilderment.

The Franchise's Evolution

The "Despicable Me" saga began in 2010, introducing Gru, the ex-villain with a heart of gold. Over the years, the franchise has expanded to include two “Minions” spinoffs, making “Despicable Me 4” the sixth film. Each movie has consistently provided light-hearted humor and straightforward yet touching messages about family and togetherness. This installment, however, has taken a slightly different turn, focusing more on humor and less on cohesive storytelling.

As we headed to the cinema, expectations were cautiously optimistic. Past experiences have shown that even if the plot wasn’t always gripping, the franchise maintained a certain charm that made these movies family favorites. This time, though, the balance seemed off. While the animation and vocal performances are top-notch, the scattershot narrative made it somewhat unsatisfying.

Animation and Aesthetics

Visually, “Despicable Me 4” is as vibrant and dynamic as its predecessors. The animation is colorful and hyperactive, which is perfectly fitting for a film aimed at younger audiences. The characters, with their exaggerated features and expressions, remain visually engaging and endearing. It’s clear that Illumination Studios has maintained a high standard of animation, ensuring the film is enjoyable to watch from a purely aesthetic viewpoint.

Each scene is a feast for the eyes, packed with intricate details that bring the whimsical world of Gru and his minions to life. From the bustling streets of their hometown to the quirky interiors of their home, every backdrop is meticulously crafted. However, despite the visual splendor, the narrative challenges overshadowed the eye candy.

The Voice Cast

Steve Carell’s return as Gru, with his signature faux-Eastern European accent, feels like meeting an old friend. His portrayal of Gru’s blend of gruffness and tenderness hits the same endearing notes we’ve come to love. Kristin Wiig, as Lucy, Gru’s supportive wife, adds her comedic flair to the mix, creating a dynamic duo that captivates whenever they share the screen.

Equally notable are the performances of the other cast members. Steve Coogan, as one of the myriad villains and characters, adds his distinctive voice and charm, further enriching the film’s soundscape. The voice actors for the minions, with their delightful babble and nonsensical jibber-jabber, continue to be the heart and soul of the comedic element.

The Overloaded Plot

One of the major drawbacks of “Despicable Me 4” is its plot, or rather, the multitude of subplots. Each character seems to have its own storyline, from Gru’s ongoing battles with new and old enemies to the minions’ separate escapades. The sheer volume of these narratives makes it hard to keep track of the main plot, if there is one.

While having multiple storylines is not inherently problematic, their lack of cohesion was. It often felt as though the filmmakers were trying to cram too much into one movie, resulting in a disjointed narrative. The movie seemed to jump from one scene to the next with little connection, making it difficult to become fully invested in any particular storyline.

Humor and Fun

Despite its narrative flaws, “Despicable Me 4” succeeds in delivering laughs. The humor, though predominantly slapstick and silly, caters well to its intended audience. My children were in stitches during the film’s most absurd moments, particularly the antics of the minions, whose physical comedy is as hilarious as ever.

There were also moments of clever humor that appealed to the adults in the audience. The parody of suburban stereotypes and the references to pop culture are deft touches that add a layer of wit. However, some jokes teetered on the edge of appropriateness for young audiences, which was a slight concern.

The Minions Factor

The minions, Gru’s loyal yet bumbling assistants, remain the franchise’s highlight. Their antics are, unsurprisingly, central to much of the film’s comedy. They add an element of unpredictability and chaos that keeps the audience engaged. Whether they’re inadvertently saving the day or creating more problems with their misguided efforts, the minions invariably steal the show.

However, their overwhelming presence in the film sometimes detracted from the development of other characters and plot points. While their slapstick humor is entertaining, it occasionally overshadows moments that could have been more emotionally impactful or coherent.

The Villains

Every good “Despicable Me” film needs a memorable villain, and “Despicable Me 4” introduces Maxime Le Mal, voiced by Will Ferrell. His vendetta against Gru, stemming from a school humiliation, sets the stage for much of the film’s conflict. With his French snootiness and over-the-top schemes, Maxime is a fun, although somewhat stereotypical, antagonist.

Accompanying him is Valentina, voiced by Sofia Vergara, whose character adds a fiery touch. Their dynamic, while entertaining, often felt underdeveloped due to the film’s scattered focus. As much as their villainous plans were central to the plot, they frequently took a backseat to the myriad of other storylines.

Family Bonds

One of the series’ enduring themes is the importance of family, and “Despicable Me 4” continues this tradition. Gru’s attempts to juggle his family responsibilities while combating villains creates moments of genuine warmth. His relationship with his children, always endearing, is a central emotional thread throughout the film.

But, these heartfelt moments often felt rushed. The film could have benefited from lingering a bit longer on these interactions. More exploration into Gru’s bond with his kids and how it contrasts with his chaotic past would have added necessary depth, making the film more resonant.

Comedy vs. Cohesion

Humor is undoubtedly the film’s strength, but it often comes at the cost of narrative cohesiveness. Many jokes, while amusing, felt like stand-alone skits that disrupted the flow of the story. This lack of balance between comedic interludes and plot progression made it harder to stay invested in the film’s overarching narrative.

Typically, I appreciate movies that effortlessly blend humor with a solid plot. “Despicable Me 4,” however, seems to favor comedy over storytelling, resulting in a film that feels more like a collection of funny moments than a cohesive story. As a fan of the series, this felt slightly disappointing.

Character Development

Gru’s role as a protective and somewhat bumbling father is as charming as ever, but his development took a backseat to the film’s numerous subplots. Lucy, too, maintained her supportive and loving demeanor, although her storyline was less prominent.

The minions, despite their comedic appeal, remain largely unchanged, continuing to drive much of the humor without experiencing any real growth. Maxime and Valentina had potential as new villains, but their character arcs felt fragmented due to the film’s erratic plot structure.

Music and Soundtrack

A notable aspect of the film is its energetic and varied soundtrack. The musical choices, ranging from upbeat pop songs to comedic sound effects, enhance the viewing experience. Each scene is accompanied by fitting musical cues that amplify the emotions and humor.

The film’s score was particularly good at capturing the whimsical and adventurous spirit of the franchise. It added an extra layer of fun to the film’s more action-packed sequences, making them more enjoyable to watch, even if the narrative felt convoluted.

Audience Reactions

The reactions in the theater served as a telling barometer of the film’s impact. My children, along with many other young audience members, were frequently in fits of laughter, clearly enjoying the film’s silly humor. This speaks to the film’s effectiveness in entertaining its primary demographic.

On the other hand, the parents in the audience, myself included, seemed to react with more restrained amusement. While there were definitely moments that drew genuine laughter, the overall reception was more muted compared to the kids. This divide highlights the film’s stronger appeal to younger viewers.

Comparisons and Contrasts

It’s impossible to discuss “Despicable Me 4” without comparing it to its predecessors. The earlier films balanced humor, heart, and a coherent narrative more effectively. This installment leaned more heavily into humor, sometimes at the expense of storytelling and character development.

Yet, the film does maintain the franchise’s signature charm and whimsical style. The endearing characters, vibrant animation, and zany humor are all present, ensuring that it still feels like a genuine "Despicable Me" film, even if it’s not the strongest entry in the series.

Final Thoughts

In the end, “Despicable Me 4” is a mixed bag. It offers plenty of laughs and retains the franchise’s distinctive charm, but its overloaded plot and scattered focus make for a somewhat disjointed viewing experience. While the film excels in humor and visual appeal, it could have benefited from a more cohesive narrative and deeper character development.

My kids loved it, and I appreciated certain aspects, though it left me wishing for the tighter storytelling seen in earlier installments. If future films in the series can find a better balance between humor and narrative structure, they will undoubtedly recapture the magic that originally endeared these characters to audiences worldwide.