Photo by Despicable Me 4: A Familiar Formula
I’ve seen this movie before. Not literally, of course, but the formula is all too familiar. Gru, the lovable villain-turned-hero, is back with his Minions and a new villain to thwart. But despite the familiar trappings, Despicable Me 4 feels like a rehashing of old ideas rather than a bold new direction.
Gru and the Minions are back, but the magic is gone
The new villain, Maxime Le Mal, is a French-accented baddie with a penchant for cockroach hybrids. He’s not particularly memorable, and his motivations are murky at best. His girlfriend, Valentina, is barely a blip on the radar. The real highlight of the film is Poppy, the creepy new neighbor girl who blackmails Gru into doing her bidding. She’s a welcome addition to the cast, but even she can’t elevate the tired plot.
A hungry Minion gets stuck in a vending machine
The film’s attempts at humor are similarly uninspired. A Minion stuck in a vending machine for most of the film is the highlight of the comedy, and that’s not saying much. The rest of the jokes feel like rehashed gags from previous films.
A Lack of Originality
The only real originality in Despicable Me 4 comes from the introduction of Gru Jr., the new baby in the family. His reluctance to warm up to his formerly despicable father is a sweet touch, but it’s not enough to save the film from its overall lack of creativity.
Gru Jr. steals the show, but it’s not enough
If you’re a die-hard Despicable Me fan, you might find some enjoyment in this latest installment. But for the rest of us, it’s a skippable film that fails to bring anything new to the table.
Instead, Watch This
If you’re looking for a better animated film, I’d recommend Inside Out 2. It’s a far more original and engaging film that will leave you feeling satisfied.
The Verdict
Despicable Me 4 is a disappointing addition to the franchise. With its tired plot and uninspired humor, it’s a film that feels like a rehashing of old ideas rather than a bold new direction. Unless you’re a die-hard fan, it’s a skippable film.
