That also includes dealing with threats like Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrel), whom he was once buddies with. This new character’s plan for world domination isn’t as crazy as what past films imagine. I wish they had dedicated more attention to Poppy Prescott’s (Joey King) attempts to convince Felonious to engage in criminal activities, instead of focusing on the other aspects.
Elsewhere, five Minions undergo mutation to become superheroes as part of the AVL’s attempt to give this world some heroes. Just like the previous films, their antics are fillers, and while they learn how to use their newfound powers, what’s presented is more slapstick moments than anything good. When these simple organisms have little purpose in life other than to serve Gru, well, all I have to ask is what happened to the prior team of Kevin, Stuart and Bob?
As for the new team, I get what director Chris Renaud is parodying. What’s presented should not be copied from the Marvel Comics catalogue. To say make them more Minion-y means their actions must be chaotic and nonsensical. When one of them can be identified as a parody of The Thing from The Fantastic Four, another as Cyclops of the X-Men and a third as Plastic Man , that’s not enough. I found Conehead Minion intriguing, but I doubt that is referencing that Marvel Comics miniseries. What’s missing is a nod to Justice League, Teen Titans or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles rather than random juvenile behaviour.
Here, the focus concerns the Gru family adjusting to a life in hiding. After Poppy swears revenge and threatens the family, this human task force has safe houses! It’s like watching Get Smart after the two superspies get married. Not only must they deal with domestic life, but also be spies!
Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier), and Agnes (Madison Polan) no longer have significant roles and that’s a shame. The early films established the fact he didn’t quite have that happy family life, and when they came into his life, a lot has changed. When he falls in love, even more changes are in store. With this latest, he has a son. I have to wonder why the Gru Junior doesn’t like dada as much. I feel something is missing in the story development since most babies won’t act that way to their biological parents upon birth.
This film leaves me asking a lot of questions since it’s no longer about family dysfunction. I suspect this franchise has run its course. This instalment isn’t as good as the first two films. With the Minions films not as successful, keeping them around as comic relief in the Despicable Me films between set pieces is fine.
If they plan another film, I want to see Dru causing trouble! The minor appearance during the end credits leads me to think the brothers made up. As a result, I’d rather see a Spy vs Spy parody to give this film the needed boost if it’s continuing!
3 Stars out of 5
Despicable Me 4 Movie Trailer
