Rated
PG (Rude Humor and Mild Action)
Running
Time: 1 Hour & 38 Minutes
Cast
(voice)-
Steve
Carell-Gru
Kristen
Wiig-Lucy Wilde
Benjamin
Bratt-Eduardo Perez
Miranda
Cosgrove-Margo
Dana
Gaier-Edith
Elsie
Kate Fisher-Agnes
Russell
Brand-Dr. Nefario
Steve
Coogan-Silas Ramsbottom
Ken
Jeong-Floyd Eagle-san
Kristen
Schaal-Shannon
Nasim
Pedrad-Jillian
Moises
Arias-Antonio Perez
Pierre
Coffin-Kevin the Minion/Bob the Minion/Stuart the Minion/Additional Minions/Evil
Minions
Chris
Renaud-Additional Minions/Evil Minions/Italian Waiter
Directed
by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud
 |
| Till death do us part? |
Note: Screened on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at AMC Loews Kips Bay 15.
'No,
no, no. Pa POY. Pa POY!' Who knows what the Minions are saying with their fast-talking
gibberish but these yellow, pint-sized, humanoid corn kernels proved to be the breakout
stars in Illumination Entertainment's debut film, "Despicable Me." Released
back in 2010, the animated flick managed to rack up over $543.1 million worldwide
on a $69 million production budget (which is rather low compared to the $200+ million
that Pixar spends on their own films) while also receiving positive reviews
from audiences and critics alike (81% on Rotten Tomatoes). Founded by former 20th
Century Fox executive Chris Meledandri in 2007, Illumination has made two more feature
films following their unexpected success with "Despicable Me" but 2011's
"Hop" was trashed by critics while last year's "The Lorax,"
based on the beloved children's book from the late Dr. Seuss, received a mixed
reception despite its $348.8 million worldwide gross. A sequel to "Despicable
Me" was pretty much a no-brainer given how well the original did and that's
exactly what we get three years later. Although not quite as heartfelt or inspired
compared to its predecessor, "Despicable Me 2" remains a fun ride
with its zany, Looney Tunes-style comedy, and energetic voice acting from the
ever-dependable Steve Carell and Kristen Wiig.
Having
given up his villainous ways, Gru (Steve Carell) is now content to fulfill his
fatherly duties to his three adopted daughters Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith
(Dana Gaier), and Agnes (Elsie Fisher) while repurposing his rambunctious
Minions to produce a delicious line of jams and jellies with the help of his trusted
cohort Dr. Nefario (Russell Brand). However, when a secret serum dubbed PX-41,
which has the power to mutate any living creature into an unstoppable killing machine,
is stolen from a laboratory in the Arctic Circle, Gru is recruited by the 'Anti-Villain
League' to find the culprit responsible. The League's founder, Silas Ramsbottom
(Steve Coogan), pairs Gru with a rookie AVL agent named Lucy Wilde (Kristen Wiig)
and sends them undercover to the Paradise Shopping Mall as the new owners of a cupcake
shop. Gru immediately suspects Mexican restaurant owner Eduardo Perez (Benjamin
Bratt) as he bears a striking resemblance to 'El Macho,' a villain who supposedly
died after riding a shark into an active volcano with TNT strapped to his body.
When Dr. Nefario suddenly departs for more evil pastures, Gru is left to save
the world on his own while fighting his growing feelings for Lucy.
As
far as animated sequels go, "Despicable Me 2" retains the same creative
team and largely coasts by on the goodwill generated from the first film while upping
the action and comedy. Featuring a standard redemptive plot of a second-rate
villain learning the error of his ways through his growing affection for his
three adopted daughters, the original "Despicable Me" was no ground-breaker
but it managed to deliver equal parts heart and humor to make up for its run-of-the-mill
script. Likewise, there's not a lot going on in the sequel and the overall
story can't help but feel somewhat padded. The central plot revolves around Gru
using his former villain know-how to stop an even bigger threat. To that end,
he teams up with rookie Anti-Villain League agent Lucy Wilde and goes undercover
at a local mall but despite promising a plethora of interesting suspects, the
film only introduces two: Eduardo Perez and flamboyant wigmaker Floyd Eagle-san
(Ken Jeong). It's pretty obvious who the real guilty party is, leading to a
noticeable lack of tension.
Thankfully,
the various tangents that the main story engages in prove to be rather funny and
dare I say, adorable. When we first reunite with Gru, the retired evildoer is putting
on a birthday party for Agnes, who's lost none of her wide-eyed cuteness in the
last three years. When the fairy princess he hires flakes out at the last minute,
he's forced to don a pink frilly dress to keep the party going. Even with all
the Minion-related shenanigans, the "Despicable Me" series continues
to be a nice love letter to single dads everywhere. Meanwhile, Margo is discovering
boys and like any father, Gru goes ballistic whenever a member of the opposite
sex approaches his daughter. Agnes yearns to have a mother figure but as a
whole, the three girls have been marginalized in favor of the popular Minions,
who are getting their own spin-off next year. These hyperactive, goggle-wearing
critters giggle at fart jokes and even take part in a musical number or two.
The comedy is largely of the Looney Tunes/Three Stooges variety and while it's
not particularly inventive, the Minions' wacky antics help keeps the film
entertaining by providing a steady stream of laughs. By far the strongest aspect
is the burgeoning romance between Gru and Lucy Wilde. Seeing Gru struggle with asking
her out on a date really resonated with me because I pretty much have the same
exact problem with women. The colorful CG animation remains strong with its
silly, exaggerated characters, although it lacks the technical prowess of Pixar
and DreamWorks. Strangely, the advance screening was in 2D so I can't comment
on the quality of the film's 3D. For that, you can go here.
Most
of the voice cast return to reprise their respective roles. Steve Carell continues
to be an absolute delight as the heavily-accented Gru but it is his pitch-perfect
chemistry with SNL veteran Kristen Wiig that elevates "Despicable Me 2."
Wiig actually had a minor role in the previous film as the domineering adoption
officer Miss Hattie. Here, she plays the ever-cheerful Lucy Wilde and it's abundantly
obvious that she is having a blast voicing her character. Also enjoying himself
is Benjamin Bratt as the heavy-set Eduardo Perez. Bratt was a last-minute replacement
for Al Pacino but you'd think he was the filmmakers' first choice given his
strong vocal performance. The new additions include an appropriately deadpan Steve
Coogan and Kristen Schaal, who voices Gru's disastrous blind date Shannon. Of
course, you can't forget about Elsie Fisher as the ever-adorable Agnes. Her
'It's so fluffy, I'm gonna die' line even became an internet meme. Seriously, just
the sound of her voice can bring about world peace.
Released
on July 3, 2013, "Despicable Me 2" has received slightly worse
reviews compared to the original film but overall reception remains positive
with 75% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics noted 'it may not be as inspired as its
predecessor, but [the sequel] offers plenty of eye-popping visual inventiveness
and a number of big laughs.' With a prime July 4th release date, "Despicable
Me 2" is guaranteed to be a box office hit and is poised to earn over $100
million in its first five days. With $58.8 million already in the bank, the
film is leaps and bounds ahead of "The Lone Ranger." Audience reactions
at Tuesday's advance screening were also quite positive, which is good news for
the still-fledgling animation studio. Packing enough laughs for both kids and
adults, "Despicable Me 2" fulfills its promise as light, undemanding
entertainment and sometimes, that's all you really want out of an animated film.
Final
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
"That's
right, baby! Gru's back in the game with gadgets and weapons and cool cars, the
whole deal!"
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