Despicable Me Movie Reviews

This is a film where the positives extend across the length and breadth of the movie. The characters are well etched, the animation is top notch, the laughs are frequent and the soundtrack is noteworthy too (look for the excellent title track by rapper/producer Pharrell Williams). Despicable Me's strength is good old fashioned storytelling -- excellent characters, attention to detail and a journey that is just pure fun. This is a movie that will play well to everyone from six to sixty (and beyond).

Aptly titled, ‘Despicable Me’ is one of the cutest animation films I’ve seen in a long time. The characters are extremely lovable... lovable enough to melt any cynic’s stony heart which dismisses an animation film as a ‘kiddie’ film even before watching it. Though predominantly catering to kids, the story by no means is written solely for the under 15 age group and there lies its beauty. Even grown ups can identify with the film’s lead character Gru who isn’t as obnoxious as he would want others to believe so.

Despicable Me doesn't have the sheer inventiveness of Up or the bravado of a film like Wall-E. But it's a simple enough entertainer that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy in the end. I'm going with three-and-a-half out of five for Despicable Me; it's among the best animation films this year after Toy Story 3 and How To Train Your Dragon. Don't miss it.

The film has some dazzling animation, great voice-overs, a smart and witty screenplay, genuine 3-D effects and a grungy lead character that grows into a lovable Santa Claus who tells you what you've always known: East or West, Family is Best! Grab your family and get moony about family business with Despicable Me.

Unlike the staple fare of animation films coming out of studios, Despicable Me has a different colour and texture to it. The characters are edgy and never seem phoney. Humour is laced with sarcasm and wit. There are ample scenes and funny one liners to keep you entertained. Carell is a genius in using his voice and keeping his accent ambiguous to make Gru interesting. Is he Russian, French or Italian? We don't know, but his brain keeps coming up with ingenious ideas. If you've ever read the Spy vs Spy series in the MAD magazine, then you'll know where the project's inspiration comes from. Visually the film is a treat as well. The little yellow minions are fantastic with their antics. The 3D actually works without seeming gimmicky.