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Review: Despicable Me 2

despicable-me-2-07 | Universal Pictures
despicable-me-2-07 | Universal Pictures

I'm going to begin by pointing out that Despicable Me 2, like most kids' movies, is difficult to rate. It has something for everyone, but more for some than others. The result is a movie that many will love and more will like. And though it's not as adorably entertaining as the original, Despicable Me 2 is an enjoyable sequel.

The sequel continues the story of Gru; no longer a scheming villain, he is now a full-time single father and small business owner. However, when a secret laboratory is stolen, Gru is recruited to the Anti-Villain League, splitting his time between being a father, saving the world and finding his daughters a mother.

The most notable difference between Despicable Me 2 and the original is the minions.  Before, the minions peppered the movie with physical humour; but the sequel finds them as a much more central element, commanding considerably more screentime. And while these talking Twinkies are good for a number of silly slap-stick laughs, they come at the cost of the supporting character's screentime. The result is an underdeveloped (and out of place) villain, a rushed romance and less emphasis on Gru's relationship with his daughters; and though the kids will hardly notice, the chaperons will.

Despicable Me 2 is an excellent kids' movie that offers less for adults than we've come to expect from Pixar. Meanwhile, the increased emphasis on minions and farting coupled with the decreased emphasis on family will keep this film from attaining “classic” status. As I mentioned before rating kids' movies can be difficult – but not impossible. Simply substitute your age for 'x' (if you haven't learned this yet, don't worry; you'll love this movie)... 4.5 – (x/40) out of 5.