Rating: PG
Starring:
Steve Carrell as Gru
Jason Segel as Vector
Russell Brand as Dr. Nefario
Julie Andrews as Gru’s Mother
Will Arnett as Mr. Perkins
Kristen Wiig as Miss Hattie
Miranda Cosgrove as Margo
Dana Gaier as Edith
Elsie Fisher as Agnes
Directed by Chris Renaud
Special Features:
3 All New Mini-Movies: Orientation Day, Home Makeover, Banana
The World of Despicable Me
Despicable Beats
Gru’s Rocket Builder
Miss Hattie’s Top Secret Cookie Recipes
Commentary with the Director & the Minions
The Voices of Despicable Me
Super Silly Fun Land
DVD Feature Film and Bonus Digital Copy of the Film
Gru-Control
Pocket Blu
And More!!
Other Info:
Widescreen (1.85:1)
DTS-HD MA 5.1Sound
Spanish and French Languages
Spanish and French Subtitles
Running Time: 95 Minutes
The Details:
The following is the official description of the film:
“Get ready for a Minion laughs in the funniest blockbuster hit of the year!
Vying for the title of “World’s Greatest Villain”, Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) – along with his hilarious crew of mischievous minions – plots to pull off the craziest crime of the century: steal the moon! But when Gru enlists the help of three little girls, they see something in him nobody else has ever seen: the perfect dad. From executive producer Chris Meledandri (‘Horton Hears a Who,’ ‘Ice Age’), and ‘Despicable Me’ features the voices of an all-star comedic cast, including Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Miranda Cosgrove and Julie Andrews.”
“Despicable Me” is rated PG for rude humor and mild action.
Mini-Review:
“Despicable Me” is pretty predictable. It’s to the point that you could simply look at the cover of the Blu-ray and correctly guess the plot. Super-villain adopts three little girls, ultimately turns from his bad ways when they soften his heart (but not before almost losing them), then ends up being good by the end. It’s very by the numbers. Still, it’s a fun ride to take despite the fact you know exactly what will happen.
The first third of “Despicable Me” is fun because we’re introduced to Gru, Dr. Nefario, and the Minions. We get to see how Gru is delightfully evil. We see his horrific gadgets, his over-the-top car, and his grandiose schemes. We also see his rivalry with evil newcomer Vector. This leads to the second third of the film – the arrival of the three little girls. We see Gru’s world turned upside-down as these girls arrive at his house. We see his evil lair transformed by the cute little girls and him ultimately having to adjust to all the same things every parent has to deal with on a daily basis. It’s the final third of the film where things get a tad dull. We see the inevitable serious moments and sappy moments that, while essential to the plot, aren’t as much fun as all the previous scenes.
“Despicable Me” has a fantastic cast. Steve Carrell is a lot of fun as Gru. The accent is a little weird, but he’s equally entertaining as a super-villain or a newly-turned-good Dad. And while he’s supported by such favorites as Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews, Will Arnett, and Miranda Cosgrove, it’s young Elsie Fisher as Agnes that is the standout. From her innocent little songs to popping her mouth, she has one of the more memorable performances. My kids still run around the house yelling, “He’s so FLUFFY!!” All that being said, the chattering, tater-looking Minions are the ones that really steal the show. They’re good for a lot of short, comedic gags involving Gru’s evil gadgets. That, of course, makes them endearing.
One of the better animated films of the year, “Despicable Me” is a lot of fun. If you like Steve Carrell, comic book villains, or CG animated films, then this is one you won’t want to miss.
The Blu-ray is jam-packed with bonus features. The highlight is three mini-movies starring the Minions. “Orientation Day” features a training video showing the Minions how to carry bombs. “Home Makeover” shows the Minions helping to kid-proof Gru’s house before an inspection by Child Services. “Banana” shows the Minions doing battle over a highly coveted banana. The shorts are a lot of fun and a great bookend to the film. Also included are a series of ‘making of’ featurettes showing the cast and crew. You’ll also find some games, commentary, and even cookie recipes. There’s a lot here for both kids and adults.
