Despicable Me 4: A Lackluster Addition to a Beloved Franchise

The long-running Despicable Me franchise returns with its fourth installment, but the latest offering, Despicable Me 4, appears more like a missed opportunity than an exciting continuation. As the franchise turns 15, this newest film seems to cater less to its young audience and more to a distinctly lacking sense of humor.

Fans eagerly await another adventure, but this one may leave them disappointed.

The Setup

In this chapter, former supervillain Gru, now a doting father, is thrust into witness protection due to a nemesis from his past. Will Ferrell lends his voice to Maxime le Mal, a half-man, half-cockroach villain with an embarrassing grudge from their middle school days. The plot is thin, weaving in and out of strange vignettes that fail to hold together, leaving viewers with a cheap feel akin to a hastily assembled patchwork quilt of ideas.

Humor Gone Awry

Directed by Chris Renaud, Despicable Me 4 suffers from lackluster writing by Mike White and Ken Daurio. It’s filled with moments that are neither clever nor funny, ultimately making it feel like a chore rather than an enjoyable family outing.

“The jokes are childish in delivery but meant to poke fun at adults who are too bored and disengaged to care.”

Unfortunately, this skewed focus yields a film packed with mean-spirited humor—not exactly the wholesome fun that families expect.

Characters and Their Designs

As the film dives deeper into its absurdity, the character designs take an even more exaggerated turn, leaving audiences puzzled. From caricatures of pretentious neighbors to the overblown personas of a high school reunion, the characters feel less like relatable figures and more like sour candy, appealing only to the smallest of kids.

Among the bizarre characters introduced is Joey King’s teen villain, Poppy, who opens her scenes with crude remarks. Her dismissive attitude toward older generations only serves to alienate potential audiences, evoking a sense of cringe rather than laughter.

The mischievous minions return, but does their charm still hold?

A Few Bright Spots

It’s worth noting, however, that despite the film’s overwhelming shortcomings, it does offer a couple of moments worth mentioning. A comedic gag during a tennis match provides a glimmer of joy, alongside a catchy closing song featuring beloved characters from past films. But such bright spots may not be enough to redeem this colossal disappointment.

A Distant Memory of Joy

Reflecting on the franchise’s inception, the heartwarming and clever storytelling of the original Despicable Me from 2010 feels like a distant memory. The film was adored by both parent and child alike, forging emotional connections through humor and warmth. This current installment, however, seems to lack any of that spark.

Despite being part of an extensive franchise, not all sequels need to be produced. Take Kung Fu Panda 4, for instance; its recent release proves that thoughtful sequels can indeed thrive. In stark contrast, Despicable Me 4 comes off as joyless, devoid of the entertaining elements that once made the franchise a family favorite.

The Audience Reaction

Attendance on opening day was discouraging; a packed theater filled with families echoed with silence as children sat without so much as a chuckle. It even prompted some families to leave midway, surely a sign of the film’s failure to engage its audience. What could have been a delightful outing for families instead turned into an exercise in disappointment, leaving many to turn their attention towards more engaging films like Inside Out 2 or Migration.

Was the experience memorable for families?

Conclusion

In the end, if you or your children thrive on the antics of the minion crew, you might find yourself coerced into viewing this film, but consider yourself warned. While Illumination has previously demonstrated its capacity for producing enjoyable animations, Despicable Me 4 feels like a movie made by studio dictates rather than creative inspiration. If you’re in search of a more impactful cinematic experience, exploring other titles is highly recommended.

Rating: 4 out of 10
Rated PG, Runtime: 1hr 34mins. Animated Family Spy Comedy.
Directed by Chris Renaud. Featuring: Steve Carrell, Kristen Wiig, Will Ferrell, Joey King, and more.

In summary, Despicable Me 4 serves as a stark reminder that longevity in franchises does not guarantee quality. Universal’s effort here may just boil down to an unfortunate misfire in a once-beloved series.