Caught this at a late night showing a week ago and enjoyed it very much, although I’m not sure if the film was as fun as having the entire theater to ourselves. My buddies were worse than a couple of 5 year olds… in a good way though. There was no one to disturb, so no foul. Anyways, Despicable Me is a laugh out loud animated feature featuring the voices of Steve Carell, Jason Segal, Russell Brand, and Kristen Wiig. Coming from directors (Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud) and writers who haven’t really done anything notable, it was a big surprise.

In a happy suburban neighborhood surrounded by white picket fences with flowering rose bushes, sits a black house with a dead lawn. Unbeknownst to the neighbors, hidden beneath this home is a vast secret hideout. Surrounded by a small army of minions, we discover Gru (voiced by Steve Carell), planning the biggest heist in the history of the world. He is going to steal the moon. (Yes, the moon!) Gru delights in all things wicked. Armed with his arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays, and battle-ready vehicles for land and air, he vanquishes all who stand in his way. Until the day he encounters the immense will of three little orphaned girls who look at him and see something that no one else has ever seen: a potential Dad. The world’s greatest villain has just met his greatest challenge: three little girls named Margo, Edith and Agnes.

I’m not usually big on seeing (kids) animated features, but I always seem to end up liking them when I come around… and Despicable Me didn’t disappoint. The voice acting is top notch, and although not quite on par with Pixar’s sequel of the decade (still haven’t seen it yet), the animation and character design is still pretty damn good. I have to say it though, although there was a lot to like about the film, the minions, at least for me, absolutely stole the show… actually I think I’m gonna sculpt me a set of these little guys. Anyways, Despicable Me is definitely worth checking out, and fun for the whole family!

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