Despicable Me

Welcome to another episode of The "D" List.

Today's review is Despicable Me. Directed by Pierre Coffin & Chris Renaud. Written by Ken Daurio & Cinco Paul. Screen Story by Sergio Pablos.

MPAA Rating : PG for rude humor and mild action.

Runtime : 95 min    

Cast

Steve Carell - Gru

Jason Segel - Vector

Russell Brand - Dr. Nefario

Julie Andrews - Gru's Mom

Will Arnett - Mr. Perkins

Kristen Wiig - Miss Hattie

Miranda Cosgrove - Margo

Dana Gaier - Edith

Elsie Fisher - Agnes


Before I begin, I would like to take this opportunity to announce a milestone in the very young life of The "D" List. This will be my 75th review. From this point on I will begin a countdown to the magic number 100 so I hope you all join me on this ride that has been a ton of fun for me.

OK. Here we go.

After being supplanted as the world's greatest villain, Gru devises a plan to steal the moon. Along the way he crosses paths with 3 orphans, Margo, Edith and Agnes. Gru initially dismisses them but then hatches a plan to use them in his plot to steal the moon while thwarting his arch enemy Vector in the process.

If I had to describe this movie in 1 word, I guess it would be cute. Not cute in the way you might be thinking. The movie is by and large very funny. From the script to the animation to the character designs themselves. I dare you to stare at Dr. Nefario and not laugh how he looks. What makes the film cute are the 3 girls particularly Agnes. She's the baby of the trio and the way she looks and is voiced you want to jump into the screen and just hug her forever. The other group that provides both the comedy and the cuteness are the minions. Gru's massive yellow midget army. They are so funny to look at and yet they possess the same cute quality that the girls have. You want to keep one as a pet.

This however doesn't detract from the comedy. Like I mentioned before, the movie is quite funny. The dialogue is sharp and witty. The animation provides some several physical laughs and the character designs inspire laughs on their own.

Of course with most CGI films like this one, there's always a message that carries throughout the plot. That doesn't change here. You get the standard moment of loss and pain which is followed immediately by the redemption scene. In this case it's as transparent as they come yet it doesn't hurt the flow or the conclusion of the story. In fact the movie kind of flies right through it to avoid any dull low point. It feels like a bit of a shortcut but you spend so much time having fun the rest of the time that you don't care about the misgivings of the plot hole.

Bottom line, Despicable Me was a very fun, light, funny and heartwarming film that should please kids of all ages. And I do mean you adults too.

On the 5 star scale. Despicable Me gets 4 stars. With a "Worth Every Penny" recommendation.

That's all for today. Up next is The Sorcerer's Apprentice. A film that FINALLY captures the fantasy and fun of wizards and magic.

Until Next Episode....."I'll Save You A Seat!"

"D"