Despicable Me 4: A Mean-Spirited and Unfunny Minions Movie

The latest installment in the Despicable Me franchise has finally arrived, and unfortunately, it’s a bland and unfunny addition to the series. The film brings back the popular Minions, as well as their human counterparts, but fails to deliver any real laughs or excitement.

Despicable Me 4: A disappointment for fans of the franchise

The story follows Gru, his family, and his army of Minions as they try to navigate a new life in witness protection. However, things quickly take a turn for the worse when they cross paths with a new villain, Maxime le Mal, a French baddie with a grudge against Gru.

Unfortunately, the direction of Chris Renaud and the jokes from writers Mike White and Ken Daurio make the film mean-spirited and grossly unfunny. The movie’s thin storyline and structure of short, mostly unimportant vignettes make it feel cheap and instantly forgettable.

The character designs continue to get more garish and unattractive with each movie, and the jokes are childish and unoriginal. The film’s attempts at humor are often insulting and unfunny, and the characters are more annoying than endearing.

The Minions: More annoying than endearing

One of the few redeeming qualities of the film is a short gag at a tennis match, and the bright, catchy final song featuring cameos from many of the past Despicable Me films. However, these small moments are not enough to save the movie from its overall lack of joy and entertainment.

In the end, Despicable Me 4 is a far cry from the heartwarming and clever first film in the franchise. It’s a shallow and unfunny movie that fails to deliver any real laughs or excitement.

Rating: 4 out of 10

Directed by: Chris Renaud

Starring: Steve Carrell, Kristen Wiig, Pierre Coffin, Will Ferrell, Joey King, Miranda Cosgrove, Sofia Vergara, Steve Coogan, and Tara Strong

Now playing at: Film.Ca Cinemas, 5 Drive-In

A Different Kind of Hero: George Takei’s Journey

George Takei, the beloved Star Trek actor, has become an icon in the science fiction world. But there’s more to him than just his role as Hikaru Sulu. Takei is an outspoken activist for both the Asian and LGBT communities, and a hilarious presence on social media.

 A true hero: George Takei’s journey

Jennifer Kroot’s new documentary, To Be Takei, offers a hilarious and intimate look into Takei’s life. The film follows Takei and his partner, Brad, as they travel around the country, attending comic book and science fiction conventions, and even making appearances on the radio with Howard Stern.

Through the documentary, Takei shares his experiences as a young child, imprisoned in internment camps during World War II. These traumatic events had a profound impact on his life, but instead of letting them define him, Takei used them as a catalyst for his lifelong quest for social justice and equal rights.

 A documentary that’s out of this world

The film is a heartwarming and humorous look at Takei’s life, and it’s clear that he’s a true hero. With his quick wit and charming personality, Takei has become a beloved figure in the science fiction community, and beyond.

Slave Play: A Controversial and Thought-Provoking Play

Slave Play, a play written by Jeremy O. Harris, has been making waves on Broadway with its provocative and thought-provoking themes. The play explores interracial relationships, our relationship to slavery and the Antebellum South, and more.

 A play that’s sparking conversation

The documentary, Slave Play. Not A Movie. A Play, takes a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the play, and explores Harris’s creative mind. The film shows the workshop process, with actors working through the script and exploring the complex themes and characters.

Through the documentary, it’s clear that Slave Play is a play that’s not afraid to tackle difficult subjects, and it’s sparking important conversations about race, relationships, and our shared history.