Director: Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud
Writers: Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul
Starring: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt
‘Spectacular Animated Sequel’
Minions are galore and funnier than ever in “Despicable Me 2”, Dreamworks’ entertaining sequel to 2010’s great animation flick. Although this installment features the same eye-popping, colorful visuals as well as terrific voice acting that made the original work, it has the opposite theme from its predecessor: a story that focuses on a good guy instead of a villain.
This time around, Gru (Steve Carell) appears to be taking time off from his work in order to take care of his three adopted children. When the Anti-Villain league recruits him to help deal with a powerful criminal on the loose, Gru faces the challenge of balancing work life with his role as a father-figure. Love seems to form when least expected, and a different type of job needs to be accomplished. Can Gru succeed with the help of his ever-so-adorable minions?
He sure can and more importantly, so does this film. Despite not measuring up to the quality of its predecessor, “Despicable Me 2” is a funny and well-made animation movie, a guaranteed fun time for both adults and kids. It brings back the wonderful characters, charming dialogue and lighthearted feeling that made the original fantastic entertainment.
As is the case with most animation flicks nowadays, the voice acting is magnificent. Actors who shined so brightly in the first film do an excellent job of reprising their roles, while new additions to the all-star cast stand out just as impressively.
With his refreshingly distinct and original European accent, Steve Carell gives the character of Gru a whole new dimension. The sign of a great voice actor is when one can’t imagine anyone else in their role. That’s exactly the case with Carell. Without the actor on board, the character would almost seem incomplete and not nearly as memorable. Carell infuses him with rare charm, charisma and a sense of wondrous delight that isn’t present in usual animation fare.
Then there’s Benjamin Bratt, who impressively spices up the screen as the villainous and rather comedic El Macho. A sense of familiarity resides within the type of voice that Bratt puts on display (it’s strictly a strong Spanish accent). Yet, surprisingly enough, the actor is still able to make his character as distinguished and striking as possible.
Normally, viewers don’t come to expect a stand-out soundtrack from an animation flick. Only in special cases, such as with classics which include “The Lion King” and “Toy Story”, do scores really come across as admirable. “Despicable Me 2” is an exception. Composers Pharrell Williams and Heitor Pereira brilliantly build and improve on the music from the movie’s predecessor. The result is a soundtrack that undeniably pays homage to the spy-agent genre and contributes to the film’s James Bond-esque feel.
And how can one forget about the minions? They are as funny, crazy, cute, and adorable as they were in the original. Providing most of the movie’s laughs and jokes, they may be the best part of “Despicable Me 2”, but the filmmakers tend to rely on them a tad too much. Given their likability and charisma, it’s understandable why. Yet they do tend to be overused, and this lifts away the focus of the story. “Despicable Me” had a more concentrated approach to telling a story; this is where its sequel suffers.
Nevertheless, “Despicable Me 2” is still solid family entertainment with irresistible humor. The plot may be slightly predictable and even basic, but if there is anyone worth watching the film for its the energetic minions.
3/5 stars
The Film Buff 
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