Despicable Me

Released July 9, 2010
Directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud
Starring: Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews, Will Arnett, Kristen Wiig

First viewed July 10, 2010
Jolly: 4/5 stars

I don’t know where to start with this movie. It was original, entertaining, clever, and thoughtful.
The voice acting was stellar and the animation was perfect. A 3-D experience that does not disappoint!

When the world discovers that a pyramid has been stolen, the big question is who could have pulled off such a grand heist? Gru (voiced by the fantastic Steve Carell) however is not concerned about who did it, as much as he is concerned with coming up with a more impressive theft. Gru is a criminal mastermind, but this protagonist is by no means a villain. There are many despicable things that Gru does, but his genuine nature and constant seeking of approval from his mother, makes him a sympathetic character.

Gru, his assistant Dr. Nefario (voiced by the wickedly charming Russell Brand), and Gru’s minions attempt to steal the moon by using a newly developed shrink ray. When the shrink ray is stolen by competing criminal Vector (Segel), Gru adopts three orphaned girls, Margo, Edith, and Agnes, to infiltrate Vector’s lair and steal back the shrink ray.

Will Gru successfully steal the moon? Will his despicable nature change as he acclimates to a life as a father? All I can say is that this movie is delightful, charming, and not even remotely despicable.