Despicable Me 4 review

The anticipation was palpable as I bought tickets for "Despicable Me 4." Given our family's history with the franchise, it felt like a natural choice for a weekend outing. Each previous installment had mixed doses of humor, heart, and just enough of a message to make it worth our while. But how would this new film measure up? Here's my comprehensive take.

The Legacy of "Despicable Me"

Before diving into the film itself, it's essential to understand the cultural phenomenon that is the "Despicable Me" series. The first movie introduced us to Gru, a villain with a heart of gold, and his band of minions who have since become ubiquitous in pop culture. Followed by sequels and spin-offs, the franchise has a cherished spot in many households, including mine.

First Impressions

Heading into the theater, my kids were buzzing with excitement, waving their Minion popcorn buckets. I shared their enthusiasm but also harbored some reservations. A fourth sequel often runs the risk of rehashing old material without the fresh appeal. Would "Despicable Me 4" break that mold?

The Visual Appeal

The animation didn't disappoint. "Despicable Me 4" boasts the bright, vibrant visuals that have become synonymous with the franchise. From the labyrinthine lairs to the bustling city streets, the scenery is bursting with detail. The character designs remain endearing, and the minions' antics are visually amusing, at least initially.

Star-Studded Cast

One of the highlights of the film is undoubtedly its voice cast. Steve Carell, Kristin Wiig, and Steve Coogan bring their characters to life with verve. Their performances provide some of the movie's most memorable moments. For me, hearing these familiar voices adds a sense of continuity that I appreciated.

A Scattered Plot

However, when it comes to narrative structure, "Despicable Me 4" falters. The storyline feels disjointed, almost as if numerous subplots were pasted together without a clear overarching direction. Each character seems to have their own adventure, leaving audiences grappling to find a coherent plot thread.

Character Overload

Adding to the confusion, the sheer number of characters jostling for screen time dilutes the story even further. Gru, his daughters, Lucy, and the multitude of minions each vie for the spotlight. While intended to cater to broad tastes, the result is an experience that feels overcrowded and chaotic, lacking focus.

Humor Hits and Misses

The humor is a mixed bag. There are clever moments and physical comedy bits that had the audience, particularly the kids, laughing heartily. But, I found many jokes leaned heavily on crude humor, something I'm wary of as a parent. These moments garnered the biggest laughs but also left me hoping my kids wouldn't imitate these jokes in inappropriate settings.

Emotional Depth

Each "Despicable Me" film has always had a core emotional message about family and togetherness. This aspect felt underplayed in the fourth installment. While there are a few tender moments, they are overshadowed by the film's frenetic pacing and scattershot storytelling.

Musical Score

The soundtrack is dynamic, featuring a mix of upbeat tunes that will have you tapping your feet. Pharrell Williams, who contributed to the earlier films, is back with tracks that imbue scenes with energetic vibes. However, the music sometimes feels like it's compensating for narrative weaknesses.

The Minions

The minions, as always, are a double-edged sword. They bring their slapstick charm but also contribute to the film's cluttered feel. Their subplots, while humorous, often diverge from the main storyline, causing the overall narrative to lose traction.

Visual Gags vs. Storytelling

One of the apparent trade-offs in "Despicable Me 4" is the prioritization of visual gags over solid storytelling. While the sight gags are inventive and whimsical, they can't mask the lack of cohesive narrative. Fans of pure visual comedy might enjoy this aspect, but those seeking a solid story may feel let down.

The Overall Experience

Sitting in the theater, surrounded by families and the sounds of laughter, it's evident the film has entertainment value. Kids, including mine, seemed thoroughly engaged. But as the credits rolled, I couldn't shake the feeling that the movie was more of a cash grab than a heartfelt addition to the series.

Value for Money

Reflecting on the expense, I regretted the $75 spent on tickets. For that price, I sought more than just scattered laughs and impressive visuals. I wanted a film that blended entertainment with meaningful content, a standard set by numerous Pixar films we've enjoyed over the years.

Comparing to Peers

After experiencing "Inside Out 2," which delved into complex emotions and left a lasting impact, "Despicable Me 4" feels hollow. While not every animated film needs to be emotionally transformative, a certain level of depth is essential for repeat value and long-term appeal.

A Final Verdict

So, where does "Despicable Me 4" stand in our household's media categories? It's a tough call. With its engaging visuals and occasional humor, it's not entirely garbage. Yet, its fragmented plot and over-reliance on slapstick gags prevent it from qualifying as wholehearted "not-garbage." It's a movie I might let the kids watch again but won't eagerly recommend or revisit myself.

In conclusion, "Despicable Me 4" offers some diverting moments but ultimately falls short of its predecessors' charm and coherence. As a parent, I always hope for films that entertain while imparting some value. This film, unfortunately, left me yearning for more in both regards.