Despicable Me 4: A Lackluster Addition to an Aging Franchise

The Despicable Me franchise, now celebrating 15 years of somewhat chaotic adventures, returns with its fourth installment. Unfortunately, Despicable Me 4 feels like a misstep, landing with a thud rather than the cheerful splat fans might expect from such beloved characters.

An engaging look at the latest adventure in the Despicable Me franchise.

Returning Characters and Over-the-Top Antagonists

In this latest chapter, former supervillain Gru, voiced by Steve Carell, finds his life turned upside down once again as he and his quirky minion crew enter witness protection. The story becomes a cat-and-mouse game with a bizarre antagonist, Maxime le Mal (Will Ferrell), a hybrid character that’s equal parts man and cockroach, seeking revenge for a grudge that dates back to their school days.

In essence, the film seems to lean heavily on absurdity yet fails to deliver genuine amusement. Directed by Chris Renaud, the movie is marked with jokes that miss the mark, offering a tone that leans dangerously toward mean-spiritedness. As filmgoers ponder the merits of this sequel, one begins to question if the charm of the minions has begun to wear thin.

A Short and Unfulfilling Narrative

One of the most glaring issues with Despicable Me 4 is its thin storyline. The narrative unfolds as a series of short, disjointed vignettes that lack the cohesiveness needed to keep younger audiences engaged. While some might argue that this comedic approach allows for quick laughs, the reality is that it fosters an experience that feels cheap and instantly forgettable.

The characters, too, are presented in an increasingly exaggerated light. From a vain neighbor caricature to unhelpful retail staffers, many of these portrayals seem more annoying than charming. As the character designs get bolder, one can’t help but wonder if they cater to the interests of adults rather than the young audience they are supposedly targeting.

“I don’t respect boomers. I just mock them.”

Joey King as Poppy illustrates an unsettlingly rude angle in family films.

Poppy, played by Joey King, stands out as perhaps the most egregious character in this outing. Her portrayal as a teenage villain feels not only excessive but disrespectful, particularly with lines that deride older generations. Such points may resonate with a certain demographic, but they risk alienating the very children the film hopes to entertain.

Fleeting Moments of Joy

Despite its shortcomings, there are a couple of moments that momentarily lift the weight of Despicable Me 4. A cleverly timed gag during a tennis match offers a chuckle, and the finale, complete with a catchy song featuring characters from previous installments, is perhaps the film’s saving grace.

The minions make their antics more prominent yet less appealing this time around.

Can Illumination Bounce Back?

Illumination, the studio responsible for this franchise, has proven its ability to craft entertaining family movies, as seen with The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Migration, both hailed for their humor and heart. However, Despicable Me 4 diverges sharply from the magic that defined earlier films, like the original Despicable Me released back in 2010.

It’s essential to acknowledge that not every sequel is a guarantee of success or joy. Kung Fu Panda 4 recently showed that a fourth installment can still capture the audience’s imagination when well executed, unlike this lackluster counterpart.

Conclusion: A Warning for Parents

In light of these issues, one might question if families should splurge on a ticket for Despicable Me 4. The general consensus from audiences—evidenced when attending a sold-out screening where laughter was rare—might just steer parents towards more engaging options like Inside Out 2 or even IF, which ironically features Steve Carell as well.

Universal’s decision to release Despicable Me 4 could be seen as villainous given its failure to entertain adequately, leaving both kids and adults in search of genuine joy elsewhere.

Despicable Me 4 Rating: 4 out of 10
Rated: PG, 1hr 34mins
Genre: Animated Family Spy Comedy
Director: 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, Cineplex Winston Churchill & VIP, and Cineplex Oakville & VIP. Available in IMAX.