Despicable Me 2
2013
***
Director: Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud
Cast: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt, Miranda Cosgrove, Elsie Fisher, Dana Gaier, Russell Brand, Steve Coogan, Ken Jeong
Now that Gru has three adopted daughters, he has given up mischief. However, he cannot resist the allure of danger when he's asked to catch a villain who stole a dangerous serum. The sequel to Despicable Me puts the Minions on centre stage. Admittedly, they were always the funniest thing in this animation franchise, but their increased presence also illustrates the lack of fresh ideas in the script. Gru softened up halfway through the first film and now he even gets to have a romance. The nasty edge is gone from the story; what's left is perfectly enjoyable but safe family entertainment.
