In times when the fourth installment of the film franchise ruins the franchise while trying to milk on the success of its predecessors, Despicable Me 4 arrives to prove everyone wrong.
I always watched film trilogies like “Toy Story,” “Kung Fu Panda,” “Star Wars,” etc. I used to wonder about the fourth film, which usually comes out after a good lapse in time, and why these films do not work. Frankly, there’s no single answer to this.
Everyone’s simply trying to put out what they love; some are pushing the old narrative a little too much, thinking it’s what the audience wants, and some are trying too hard to be different. The reasons are endless. Luckily, “Despicable Me 4” suffers from none of these.
It’s hilariously fun! I love how they have maintained the franchise’s innocence, naughtiness and comedic charisma. I feel the same love and warmth in the fourth film as I did in the first three, the Minions films, and the short films that followed.
The film’s core appeal lies in its hilarious and fun tone. It doesn’t overcomplicate things, instead relying on the classic “Despicable Me” formula of slapstick gags, endearing characters, and a healthy dose of pop culture references. “Despicable Me 4” is jam-packed with such pop culture references! The film throws in nods to everything from Marvel superheroes to “Harry Potter,” keeping audiences engaged with a playful wink and a nudge.
“Despicable Me 4” smartly introduces new characters like Gru Jr. and Poppy, who seamlessly integrate into the existing family dynamic. I love how Poppy doesn’t end up being an annoying wannabe teenager who gets a lesson from the good guys at the end; rather, she is the good guy in this. Bravo!
Gru Jr. calling Gru “Dada” was obviously seen coming from a mile away, but something I hadn’t expected was seeing him turn into an insect. And then the baby came to senses and hit the final climax punches!
The Minions, the undisputed scene-stealers of the franchise, remain a highlight. Their antics, from the bus ride to the AVL headquarters, are guaranteed to elicit laughter. The Mega Minion sequence is particularly impressive, even if their screen time feels short compared to the marketing hype.
The girls—Margo, Edith, and Agnes—were epic. I loved them throughout, but the best part has to be the karate session.
One minor missed opportunity lies with Lucy Wild. While she has her moments, her role feels underutilized. A strong character like Lucy deserves a more prominent presence as a skilled AVL agent.
“Despicable Me 4” benefits from the combined talents of its team. Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Will Ferrell and Joey King deliver stellar performances, bringing their characters to life with charisma. Principal Übelschlecht (played by Chris Renaud) reminded me of Granny from Angry Granny Run, and she was super fun in the film as well!
While Sofia Vergara’s portrayal of Valentina feels slightly misstep, it doesn’t detract from the overall quality.
The film is further elevated by Chris Renaud’s masterful direction and the brilliant screenplay by Mike White and Ken Daurio. Not to forget the unparalleled animation, which feels magnificent alongside the film score and songs.
“Despicable Me 4” is a refreshing counterpoint to the trend of disappointing fourth entries in film franchises. It avoids the pitfalls that often plague these sequels, capturing the original charm and humor that made the Despicable Me universe so beloved.
While it might not quite reach the heights of its predecessors, it’s undeniably a hilarious and heartwarming addition to the franchise. It’s a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike, especially on the big screen with a crowd laughing and having the best time of their lives.
For all the awesomeness of this film, I’d like to rate it four out of five stars.
