There’s no mystery why the “Despicable Me” movies keep rolling out – the last sequel in 2017 earned over $1 billion worldwide. But whether audiences will continue to flock to the theaters for the fourth installment (not counting the “Minions” spin-offs) remains to be seen. “Despicable Me 4” is a tired, disjointed medley of visual gags that produces about as many genuine laughs as can be counted on a Minion’s three-fingered hand.
Despicable Me 4: Gru’s New Family Dynamics
In typical sequel fashion, the movie introduces a new baby to Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) and Lucy (Kristen Wiig). The semi-amusing twist is that their son can’t stand Gru, screaming or acting out whenever his dad picks him up.
Gru’s Mission and Maxime’s Transformation
Gru is still in the do-gooder business, this time tracking down a villain and former villain-school classmate named Maxime (voiced by Will Ferrell), who can transform into a cockroach – as appetizing as that sounds.
Family in Hiding and Animated Reunions
After Maxime escapes from prison, Gru and his family take refuge in a safe house under assumed identities. From there, “Despicable Me 4” mostly kills time with the family adjusting to their new surroundings, including Gru’s run-ins with a snotty neighbor voiced by Stephen Colbert, marking a sort-of animated reunion for “The Daily Show” and “The Ambiguously Gay Duo” alumni.
Minions’ Antics and Missed Opportunities
Despite the long gap since “Despicable Me 3,” the film features plenty of the obligatory Three Stooges-style gags involving the Minions, along with the occasional excrement joke for the kids. A promising twist with Mega-Minions, who have Fantastic Four-like powers, goes largely unused.
Comparing Animated Sequels: Despicable Me 4 vs. Inside Out 2
Whatever novelty the franchise had when it debuted 14 years ago has diminished with each new release, although the financial incentives remain strong. While the success of “Inside Out 2” shows there’s still a healthy appetite for animated sequels, comparing the two films’ ambitions is like night and day.
Minions’ Humor and the Film’s Reception
One of the film’s few genuine laughs comes when the Minions change a diaper with remarkable precision before launching the soiled item into the distance – a handy metaphor for the disposable nature of “Despicable Me 4.”
After 90-some-odd minutes, audiences may find themselves wishing for something fresher. “Despicable Me 4” premieres July 3 in US theaters and is rated PG.
