Despicable Me 2 is ADORABLE fun for all ages

MOVIE TITLE: Despicable Me 2

This adorable animation is now available on DVD, video on demand, and streaming.

RATING: PG

Length: 1 hour 38 minutes

IN A NUTSHELL:

Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment grossed more than $540 million with their worldwide blockbuster Despicable Me in 2010. It became the 10^th biggest animated motion picture in U.S. history. Based on the reaction I heard during the movie, this is going to be another big hit.

Co-directors, Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud lucked out with voice talent in this gag-filled delight. Steve Carell voices Gru, the evil villain-turned single dad of three “leeetle goils” from the first movie. SNL star Kristen Wiig provides the sweet voice of Lucy, an Anti-Villain League agent who recruits Gru. Her lines don’t pack the punch that her talent could provide, but the character is still charming and causes Gru, one of his daughters, and even a minion to fall in love with her.

THINGS I LIKED:

The mad scientist, Dr. Nefario, is played by Russell Brand. Silas Ramsbottom (bottom…ha ha) is really the voice of Steve Coogan. Benjamin Bratt provides the over-the-top sounds of Eduardo, the enthusiastic Mexican restaurant owner inside a mall. I was so impressed with the animation that featured his perfectly drawn chest hairs and jiggling fat when he danced the Salsa and Tango. Pay attention to Eduardo’s necklace and tattoo towards the end of the movie….(no spoiler alert). If the Mexican restaurant in my neighborhood sold Guacamole Chip Hats like Eduardo’s place, I’d be there every day.

I saw the movie with my 22-year-old son who is an animation major in college. We both marveled at the animation talent that created impressively expressive lip movement on all of the characters, moving ocean water, fibers in Gru’s knitted scarf that never left his absent neck, and humorously timed eye twitches.

Look for these hidden Easter egg moments in this funny flick:

* Villain.com

* Bruce Lee ping pong tribute with nunchucks

* Studio Ghibli dancer from My Neighbor Totoro

* Hugh Jackman shout-out

The dramatic good vs. evil fight towards the end of the movie features gorgeous colors, as well as singing minions in the finale. You’re going to laugh, sing, and dance your way out of the theater.

The movie is perfect for families and enjoyable for all ages.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

I’m really having a hard time thinking of things I didn’t like because I really enjoyed this fun flick!

Some viewers believe the first movie in the franchise was superior. That’s often the sentiment with sequels; however, I still thought this one was cute. I agree that the plot wasn’t as engaging as the one in the first movie, but I still think there is a lot to work with in the future if the franchise wants to keep pumping these out.

It does help to have seen the first one to fully appreciate the character growth of the personalities in the story.

I do recognize that there are some people who think the minions are annoying. Personally, I think they’re hilarious and would love to see them in their own movie!