Despicable Me 2 Review

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!"