Despicable Me 4 – Movie Reviews by Ry!

Despicable Me 4 – A Dad Amongst Villains: A Gru-eling Endeavor

Through the eyes of one, what is it that we seek?  Within the passing day of habitual thoughts, we look forward for something that will grip our very own.  For me, that grip is film.  Walking into a theater (or streaming), the escapable grip provides a pure sensation … especially in animated tales.  In this review, I look at the latest chapter in a popular franchise.  Through the eyes of a lovable anti-hero, this sequel is a mix bag of many things.  For all the new elements and strong visual aesthetics, Despicable Me 4 falls into a rehashing of familiar beats for Gru and company.

In this latest chapter, Gru and family find themselves on the run from a new nemesis.  When new and old worlds collide, will Gru be able to save his family from evil once again?  When it comes to popular franchises, there is a certain degree of expectations.  With this being the 4^th installment of the main entries (6 in total), familiarity runs rampant within characters, storytelling and conflicts.  In the beginning, we are reintroduced to Gru (Voiced: Steve Carell) through a sequence of over-the-top action, colorful dialogue and physical gags (from the minions).  This prologue leads into a linear directive that lays the foundation for the film’s plot: Gru and company are threatened by arch nemesis Maxime Le Mal (Voiced: Will Ferrell), which forces them to go into witness protection.  From here, the film moves through a thin script built on familiar character interactions and physical sight gags.  This leads to a journey that wavers between predictable mishaps and lazy creative moments.  This weighs down the uniqueness of new elements (Mega Minions, Baby Gru) creating an auspicious tone within its approach.  Furthering this dulling of sensation is the lackluster side characters and one-dimensional villain, leaving colorful moments to feel unimportant to the main story. 

For all the lackluster appeal, it is the witness protection element that shines bright among the mess.  This leads to an indifference to the typical ‘fish out of water’ trope, creating an experience that builds up the Gru character.  As he faces uncertainty of his own guise, it leads to a wavering of choice that adds some pizzazz to the predictable beats of humor, conflict and character interactions.  With everything placed at the predictable crossroads, this leads to a third act, climax and epilogue that brings about some substance to an otherwise dull tale.  Despicable Me 4 provides moments of genuine feeling, but leaves you hollow for what could have been.  If you are a fan of the franchise, there could be some fun here.  For everyone else, it is at best an ok Friday night at home.

Full Score – 2.5 out of 5 (Friday Night Rental)