Overview
Despicable Me 4 marks the fourth film in the beloved series Despicable Me, and the sixth film in total including the Minions spinoffs. The film continues the adventures of Gru, Lucy, their children, and the Minions. It is produced by Illumination and distributed by Universal Pictures. The film is directed by Chris Renaud, co-directed by Patrick Delage, while Mike White and Ken Daurio wrote the film. This version brings back beloved humor while also presenting the audience with new obstacles.
The film is one of the most financially successful animated films of the year. It is estimated that the production budget was 100 million dollars and the movie managing to become a commercial success by grossing almost 970 million dollars.
Plot Summary
The film opens with Gru attending a high school reunion and working as a full time agent with the Anti-Villain League (AVL) organization. There he meets with an old classmate, Maxime Le Mal, who holds a deep rooted vendetta against Gru. Maxime, who did not find success as an aspiring actor, reveals his plans as a “villain” and shows off an insect super-hero tech- suit that gives him cockroach-like abilities. During the school reunion, he does get arrested, but later escapes with the help of his partner, Valentina.
To make things worse, the AVL sees Gru as a possible target for revenge, so they plan his and his family’s relocation into a safe suburban house, with Lucy, the girls, and baby Gru Jr, disguised under fictitious identities. While the disguised family adapts to their new roles, AVL starts working on a secret plan to turn a handful of Minions into superpowered agents, now labeled as Mega Minions. The Program gets suspended after the newly powered Minions go a little too far, but the Minions are pleased with their new roles.
Upon settling down in Mayflower, the family encounters their unique neighbors such as Perry and Patsy Prescott along with their daughter Poppy. Poppy, a budding young villain, smartly recognizes Gru and blackmails him into aiding her in the theft of the school mascot, a honey badger named Lenny. Gru reluctantly agrees to assist in the theft to keep his family safe.
Things do not go as planned. School Principal Übelschlecht places a tracking collar on the school mascot, allowing him to notify Maxime. Maxime come to kidnap Gru Jr. with the goal of turning him into a cockroach-human hybrid as revenge. In the frenzied last act, Gru joins Poppy, Lucy, and the reactivated Mega Minions on an explosive construction site, city, and aerial chase.
Maxime is subdued and arrested. Dr. Nefario undoes the transformation on Gru Jr. and the family is together again. In the final scenes of the film, Gru is seen singing with Maxime in prison, sharing a humorous reconciling moment.
Cast and Crew
- Voice Cast:
Steve Carell as Gru and Chet Cunningham Sr. - Kristen Wiig as Lucy Wilde and Blanche Cunningham
- Joey King as Poppy Prescott
- Joey King as Poppy Prescott
- Miranda Cosgrove as Margo
- Dana Gaier as Edith
- Madison Polan as Agnes
- Pierre Coffin as the voice of the MInions
- Romesh Ranganathan as Dr. Nefario
- Chris Renaud as Principal Übelschlecht
Crew:
- Director: Chris Renaud
- Co-Director: Patrick Delage
- Writers: Mike White and Ken Daurio
- Producers: Chris Meledandri and Brett Hoffman
- Music: Heitor Pereira
- Original Songs: Pharrell Williams
Style and Tone
With a runtime of around 94 minutes, Despicable Me 4 keeps a fast pace filled with visual gags, family-centered moments, and comic action. Animation quality is bright and dynamic, featuring smoother color sequences. The humor is largely physical and absurd, consistent with previous series entries, and balances slapstick and emotional comedy.
Gru’s dual-role as a father and secret agent evolves alongside the story’s exploration of identity and responsibility, ensuring accessibility and entertainment. Despicable Me caters to younger and older audiences with wholesome themes, clever multi-layered humor, cultural references, and emotional resonance.
Reception
While the audience was more receptive to the movie, critics remained more reserved, as many liked the face pace, humor, and charm of the returning characters. The humor in the movie was touching as father-son dynamics were explored between Gru and his newborn child, and the Mega Minion subplot served as a parody to superheroes.
Critics, however, pointed out that the film tries to balance too many subplots which in some cases leads to shallow character development. The new villain, Maxime Le Mal was seen as eccentric, however, he did not appear to be as memorable as some of the prior antagonists. A handful of reviewers also pointed out that the Mega Minions, although visually interesting, were too underdeveloped to have any real impact on the overall story.
Even with these critiques, the film performed well with familes. It went on to be one of the box office legs in the series receiving a great deal of funding.
Themes and Highlights
Family and Identity:
Gru’s character as a father is constantly being reshaped as the storyline goes on. His need to try and protect his family aids in the driving of the storyline and serves to add emotional depth to the humor.Revenge and Redemption:
Maxime’s relentless pursuit of revenge serves as a reminder of the perils of letting grudges intensify over time. His final defeat and subsequent twisting reconciliation with Gru cement the narrative of this franchise, which centers around hope, forgiveness, and loving redemption.
Minion Madness:
The Mega Minions personify the balance between joy and disorder. While their storyline may not drive the movie forward, it provides a great deal of comic relief and action during the climactic showdown.
A New Generation of Villains:
We Poppy Prescott, the villain-in-training, marking a new era of villainy within the Despicable Me universe. Gru’s affection towards her helps blend the roots of mischief and mischievous goals.
Conclusion
With its relatable humor, emotional storytelling, and some delightful chaos, Despicable Me 4 builds upon the beloved franchise’s hallmark offerings. Though perhaps not the most innovatively narrative or emotionally intricate of the series, it does strongly uphold the themes of family, redemption, and the hearty laughter that brings its watchers and families together.
The movie performed well at the box office, which demonstrates that Gru and the Minions are still lovable and significant within animated cinema. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a fresh face, Despicable Me 4 promises a delightful, fast-paced escapade that captivates from start to finish.
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