I had completely forgotten that a fourth installment of Despicable Me had since been released until I came across it on my to-watch list today. Well, this one marks the return of Gru and his minions in a vibrant yet as most of us know chaotic installment that continues the franchise’s tradition of slapstick humor and family focused storytelling. It actually delivers on the expected laughs and visual gags but to be honest I got bored towards the ending as this sequel grapples with an overstuffed narrative.
Synopsis
In this sequel, Gru faces off against his old high school nemesis, Maxime Le Mal, aka, cockroach man.
After Maxime’s escape from prison, Gru and his family; including wife Lucy, their three daughters, and the mischievous new addition, Gru Jr, are placed under protection in the upscale suburb of Mayflower.
In their attempt to blend in the new environment, they must navigate new challenges, including neighborhood interactions and of course the ever-present threat of Maxime’s return. Meanwhile, the Minions on the other hand, embark on their own adventure, undergoing a transformation into Mega Minions with superhero-like abilities which of course they use to cause chaos.
Review and Rating
What has kept me watching each sequel of this franchise is the colorful and energetic experience I get from it, especially with the Minions’ antics providing comic relief except that in this one they mostly triggered me and it felt like the movie is just one hell of a rage bait.
A little criticism won’t hurt right?
The film’s narrative suffers from an overabundance of subplots that are not fully developed. Inasmuch as it was thrilling to see a new addition in the Gru household, the introduction of the new addition, Gru Jr., lacks the emotional depth seen in previous character relationships. Similarly, the subplot involving the Mega Minions feels like a missed opportunity, offering spectacle without substantial payoff.
I honestly enjoyed watching Gru being a villain in previous installments than in this one where he seems to have turned a new leaf and is all about catching the bad guys and having them thrown in jail. Villainy suits him better than the good-guy character they turned him into.
Well, as a fan of the franchise, Despicable Me 4 does deliver the expected humor and visual flair. Inasmuch as it doesn’t really reach the narrative heights of its predecessors, it remains an entertaining watch for families and children. The film’s shortcomings in storytelling are balanced by its comedic moments and the enduring appeal of its characters.
That said, if there’s ever a fifth installment of the movie franchise, I’ll still watch it. At least for its chaotic moments, humor and stunning visuals.
Rating: 3/5