Despicable Me 2 Review

Here's my take on Despicable Me 2 featuring the voices of Steve Carell, Kristin Wiig, Benjamin Bratt, Miranda Cosgrove, Russell Brand, Ken Jeong and more. The film is directed Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud. Special thanks to Solar-UIP for the invitation.

Despicable Me 2 surpasses the first movie, by how far, maybe by just an inch. The movie sticks to certain elements present in the first movie, then ditches a couple of other stuff and then just throws in a couple of new gears into the cog for good measure.

It's interesting to note that our lead Groo is working under completely different circumstances and not to mention on the opposite side of where he was originally in the first movie. Now he's batting for the side of the angels and it actually spells interesting for me. 

Is it just me or does this movie also have one of the lamest and yet campiest villain in all of animated movie history. Yes I'm talking about the movie's main villain, El Macho. 

The guy's just friggin awesome. He can do the salsa, rides sharks loaded with missiles and much much more. This is one entertaining dude.


The new movie is a fun movie due to a number of things. There's a charming little love story mixed with a bit of espionage action and a lot of adorable little things. And then there were the minions.

I liked how the story for Despicable Me 2 moved from Groo and Lucy working on the field together as partners to their inevitable falling-in. It might have looked a little too forced for some but kids really won't notice that. They did show a hilariously, horrible date between Groo and a woman who's been set up by Groo's friend which was obviously a plot point to get the two closer. I dig that though.

There's a lot of themes that Despicable Me 2 tries to fit inside it's running time. The old themes of family and a change of heart is still here albeit in a stronger form. Groo isn't the evil genius who simply wants to rule the world, he's now a dad who makes sure his little princesses get everything they want. Or at least, he'll be able to provide for them. Dr. Nefario (played by Brit comedian Russell Brand) also dishes out a couple of quips about family.

But for me the real stars of the show would have to be the minions. The first film gave them a handful of scenes where they really get to shine. This time however, they're the centerpiece. And although we barely understand what they're saying, I wouldn't be surprised if I saw you laughing hard at the antics of these little yellow men. Heck, in this movie, they even go and emulate an old irish pub song. And be prepared for the best rendition of "I Swear".



Overall, don't expect something as heavy hitting as Toy Story 3 because this movie and that movie are polar opposites. Do try to enjoy the visuals, the 3D conversion, the in-jokes and the gags that are present in the movie. Sit back and let the minions entertain you; oh and don't forget the kids. 

Verdict: 8.5/10

Special thanks to Solar-UIP for the invitation. DESPICABLE ME 2 opens July 3.