Minions Back in Action: The Whimsical Chaos of ‘Despicable Me 4’
Should a review of a Despicable Me movie be a deep dive into its themes or simply a rollicking recount of the Minions’ antics? It would seem that no matter how insightful film criticism hopes to be, nothing dismantles the joy of these films quite like the Minions themselves shouting, “Bello!” from the screen.
Since their first appearance in Despicable Me in 2010, the Minions have been a box office juggernaut, amassing over $4.6 billion in global ticket sales. With the release of Despicable Me 4, the franchise now stands tall with a total of six feature films and a handful of spinoffs.
These whimsical yellow creatures have even expanded their peculiar language, incorporating terms from around the world. In Despicable Me 4, you’ll hear words like “antipasti” and “bazooka,” creating a delightful blend of nonsensical dialogue.
A Formula That Works, But Is It Too Familiar?
At this point in the franchise, the question arises: are we experiencing diminishing returns? This latest entry offers a breezy ride, albeit one that resembles a Saturday morning cartoon more than a cinematic experience worthy of remembrance.
The charm of the Despicable Me films is their utter refusal to take themselves seriously, opting instead for slapstick humor reminiscent of the classic Looney Tunes. If you find yourself in tears during a Despicable Me movie, you might want to check if someone nearby needs to call for help.
Premiering on July 3, Despicable Me 4 struggles to find a fresh direction, confusing viewers with multiple half-baked plotlines. The story kicks off at a reunion for the Lycée Pas Bon School of Villainy, where Gru encounters the quirky Maxime le Mal (voiced by Will Ferrell), a villain with a penchant for cockroaches. Gru, now a proud agent of the Anti-Villain League, quickly drinks up the nostalgia and the humor.
Minions stirring up some fun in Despicable Me 4.
Before long, Maxime breaks free and plots his revenge against Gru, forcing Gru’s family—including wife Lucy (Kristen Wiig) and their three daughters—to enter witness protection. Gru’s hilariously failed attempts to fit in with the uppity neighbors offer a comedic touch few can resist.
While Gru juggles family life, a new character joins the fray: baby Gru Jr. This whole family dynamic introduces some amusing moments—particularly a gag involving the Minions dressed as a pit crew and employing a t-shirt cannon to take care of dirty diapers. However, the humor often treads familiar ground, closely resembling elements found in The Incredibles 2.
Plot Twists and Turns: A Heist and Superhero Minions
The film swiftly transitions into a heist narrative when Gru is blackmailed by Perry Prescott’s daughter, Poppy (Joey King), to steal a rare honey badger. Amidst all this chaos, the Minions back at AVL HQ become unwitting subjects for a new serum, transforming them into Mega Minions—a superhero-like ensemble with uncontrollable powers.
One particularly amusing scene features a rotund Minion who swallows a bomb only to belch and cause chaos instead of saving the day.
Ultimately, Despicable Me 4 proves to be a film that retains the franchise’s uproarious energy, but is marred by an unclear sense of direction and originality. Director Chris Renaud and co-directors Patrick Delage along with writers Mike White and Ken Daurio seem to navigate between cruise control and autopilot, leading to a sequel that lacks the distinctiveness to stand apart.
The series has historically benefitted from intermittently showcasing its beloved Minions, who, despite their overwhelming popularity, play second fiddle to Gru and his family. In this installment, one Minion finds itself trapped in a vending machine for most of the film, cleverly symbolizing a quirky touch of humor amid the lengthy narrative.
Conclusion: The Fun of Familiarity
As Despicable Me 4 continues to delight audiences, it raises the important question of whether the franchise can sustain its appeal through sheer familiarity. The film, released by Universal Pictures, is rated PG for action and mild humor. With a runtime of 95 minutes, it invites fans back into its whimsical world, albeit with fewer surprises than its predecessors.
Though it may feel like the sixth film in a long line of Minion escapades, families looking for lighthearted fun will still find plenty to enjoy. At the end of the day, it might take much more than an underwhelming sequel to slow down the Minions’ global takeover.
Get ready for some Minion mischief in Despicable Me 4.
