The Not-So-Despicable Truth About Despicable Me 4

A review of Despicable Me 4, and why it fell short of expectations
The Not-So-Despicable Truth About Despicable Me 4
Photo by Christopher Goodwin on Unsplash

The Not-So-Despicable Truth About Despicable Me 4

As a parent, I’ve always been on the lookout for movies that are both fun and educational for my kids. And let’s be honest, the Despicable Me franchise has always been a reliable choice. But with the latest installment, Despicable Me 4, I was left feeling underwhelmed and disappointed.

A Messy Plot

The movie starts off promisingly enough, with the same fun and cartoony animation that we’ve come to expect from the franchise. But as the story progresses, it becomes clear that there’s just too much going on. Multiple plotlines that don’t quite connect, jokes that fall flat, and a general sense of disjointedness that makes it hard to follow.

The movie’s animation is still top-notch, but the story falls short.

A Cash Grab?

I couldn’t help but feel that Despicable Me 4 was more of a cash grab than a genuine attempt to create a compelling story. The jokes that did land were often of the crude variety, and the kids in the audience seemed to enjoy them the most. But as a parent, it’s hard not to cringe at the thought of my kids repeating those jokes at school or in church.

A Missed Opportunity

What’s even more disappointing is that Despicable Me 4 had the potential to be so much more. With a talented voice cast, including Steve Carell and Kristin Wiig, and a proven track record of creating entertaining and educational content, it’s a shame that the movie didn’t live up to its promise.

Inside Out 2, on the other hand, is a movie that truly gets it right.

A Comparison to Inside Out 2

I recently took my kids to see Inside Out 2, and it was a completely different experience. The movie tackled complex themes like mental health and emotional intelligence in a way that was both accessible and engaging for kids. It’s a movie that I would happily watch again and again, and one that I think is truly deserving of its critical acclaim.

Conclusion

Despicable Me 4, on the other hand, is a movie that I would only recommend to die-hard fans of the franchise. While it’s not a complete waste of time, it’s certainly not the best use of your $75. If you’re looking for a movie that will truly entertain and educate your kids, I would recommend giving Inside Out 2 a try instead.