Despicable Me 3 might be regurgitating the formula of the first movie. But it does so with enjoyable zest and fun.
Despicable Me 3 Synopsis
The Anti Villain League fires Gru after he botches an attempt to capture Balthazar Bratt, a child star turned super-villain obsessed with his 80s stage persona. Initially depressed, Gru soon finds solace in the revelation that he has a twin brother named Dru. As the two bonds, Dru reveals that their ancestors have always been supervillains, including their father. Dru then offers a proposal Gru finds hard to resist. A return to a life of high-profile villainy, with a chance at revenge against Balthazar Bratt.
Snappy Review
I don’t know about you. But I continue to be amazed by the runaway success of the Despicable Me franchise.
It’s amazing, isn’t it? Part 1 was the first effort of a then-unknown Illumination Entertainment. And while it had an unusual premise, the story was hardly the first of its kind.
Through sheer adorability and fun, though, it won the hearts of viewers and critics alike, establishing what would become one of the most profitable franchises for cinema and merchandising today. What’s even more amazing is that the two sequels did not disappoint.
While they did occasionally veer towards being too slapstick, which was especially the case with Minions (2015), that original sense of idiosyncrasy and cleverness was sustained. You don’t get an unforgettable story when you watch a Despicable Me episode. But you are certainly assured of hysterical fun and humour.
This is largely the case with Despicable Me 3, which regurgitates the story of Gru trying to adapt to a life of heroism and family, but has enough inventions to prevent the story from being insipid. There is that same lovability and tenderness from the previous movies. Trey Parker’s slew of 80s inspired jokes might come across as derivative, but is nonetheless still outlandishness enough to please.
Needless to say, a palpable vibrancy suffuses the whole movie too. One that would please adults and kids alike.
On the anchoring of the story around Gru’s discovery of his twin, some viewers might feel this suggests a coming downturn of the franchise. As in there is no longer any new story to tell. For me, I agree to a certain extent, but I choose to look at it another way too.
While it doesn’t add to the Gru family as a whole, it does complete Gru’s ambiguous personality. This is truly a man with a kind heart who would always be struggling with his darker persona. His addiction for action, be it for heroic or villainous purposes, would ensure plenty more outrageous escapades down the road.
I surprise myself by saying this as well. For the moment, I look forward to more Despicable Me sequels. Given I’m quite strongly against sequels, especially those beyond the number 3, I dare say this is the franchise’s achievement. It has successfully worked its branded magic into me.
Click here to view the trailer.
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