More Minion Mayhem Awaits in ‘Despicable Me 4’

Should a review of a Despicable Me movie delve into serious film criticism or merely celebrate the slapstick antics of the Minions? While film analysis holds its merit, it seems the most intricate examinations of this franchise would crumble faster than a Minion can say, “Bello!”

Since their debut in the original Despicable Me in 2010, the Minions have taken the box office by storm, raking in an impressive $4.6 billion in ticket sales and spawning a rich franchise that now boasts six films, including the latest, Despicable Me 4. Their journey through cinemas has also introduced them to an exciting linguistic evolution, enhancing their charming gibberish with words like “antipasti” and phrases reminiscent of classic lines from The Goonies.

Minions embrace their quirky charm in the new film.

As we’ve entered the sixth chapter of this series, Despicable Me 4 raises the perennial question: is there such a thing as too much of a good thing? This quirky entry offers a breezy experience reminiscent of a Saturday morning cartoon rather than a memorable cinematic journey. Yet, therein lies its charm— eschewing any seriousness, it luxuriates in Looney Tunes-style animation that prioritizes slapstick over sentiment. There’s no chance of shedding tears here; instead, audiences can expect hearty laughs.

As Despicable Me 4 rolls into theaters on July 3, the film’s plot ingeniously stitches together multiple sequel threads. It opens at a school reunion for the Lycée Pas Bon School of Villainy, where Gru unexpectedly crosses paths with his old rival, Maxime le Mal, voiced by Will Ferrell—a cockroach-obsessed villain with a foreign flair. Gru, now a man of the family and an agent for the Anti-Villain League, resorts to decidedly supervillain tactics to subdue Maxime, leading to a series of hijinks when the villain escapes and targets Gru’s family, placing them under witness protection.

Chuckles ensue as Gru attempts to navigate his new life in disguise, hoping to impress his bourgeois neighbor, Perry Prescott (Stephen Colbert). To add further chaos to their suburban life, baby Gru Jr. enters the scene, easily stealing moments with familiar yet beloved gags, such as Minions donning racing gear to tackle diaper duty—a visual echo of Jack-Jack from The Incredibles 2.

Gru encounters new challenges in his villainous undertakings.

From there, the narrative swiftly transitions into a heist scenario where Gru is extorted by Prescott’s daughter Poppy (Joey King) to snatch a honey badger from his alma mater. Meanwhile, the Minions find themselves subjected to an experimental serum back at AVL headquarters, leading to the creation of the Mega Minions—an eclectic group of super-powered Minions reminiscent of a Fantastic Four ensemble whose abilities are hilariously inept.

Amidst the frantic chaos, one Minion unwittingly swallows a bomb, underscoring the unpredictable hilarity for which the franchise is famed. Despite the messiness of this sixth installment, it would take far more than a routine sequel to dim the vibrant spirit of the Minions. While the film feels cluttered, director Chris Renaud, along with co-director Patrick Delage and writers Mike White and Ken Daurio, manage to sustain a lighthearted atmosphere reminiscent of their previous endeavors.

Critically, the Despicable Me films thrive on their strategic use of Minions—often the silent foil to the protagonist’s narrative. In Despicable Me 4, these beloved characters remain invaluable, with one even getting hilariously stuck inside a vending machine for an extended gag. It’s a perfect illustration of their enduring appeal.

The Minions take on new challenges, as Gru’s family navigates the villain underworld.

Despicable Me 4, released by Universal Pictures, has been rated PG for its light-hearted action and humorous mischief, with a running time of 95 minutes. For all its silliness, it offers the familiar comfort of slapstick entertainment, garnering a modest two stars out of four.

In conclusion, while Despicable Me 4 may not break new ground, it brings forth a satisfying continuation of fan-favorite antics, ensuring that spirit of joy remains intact. Will audiences embrace more Minions, or is it time for a new direction? Only time will tell as this beloved franchise continues to evolve.