Movie Review: Another Animated Must-See

Despicable Me

Anyone else notice the latest Hollywood trend? The most inventive, and therefore most critically-acclaimed films over the past several years are animated features. From Universal Studios and Illumination Entertainment, Despicable Me is the latest computer-animated 3-D feature film -- releasing right on the heels of the extraordinary Toy Story 3 from Disney/Pixar. And it's nearly as entertaining.

Steve Carell excels as the voice of Gru, an evil super-villain who is trying to outdo Vector, another super-villain (voiced by Jason Segel from I Love You, Man). Along the way, we are treated to an army of mischievous little minions and an arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays and battle-ready land and air vehicles. But it's the heart-warming interaction with three little girls that enter Gru's life that will leave the biggest impact. Can someone so super-bad change his ways?

There are some top-notch 3-D effects in the film -- so I would recommend you spend the extra bucks this time and put on those goofy glasses. And definitely stick around for the closing credits because some of the best 3-D visuals appear there. The great voice cast also includes Russell Brand, Julie Andrews, Will Arnett, Miranda Cosgrove and Kristen Wiig (Extract, Adventureland). Co-directed by Pierre Coffin, Sergio Pablos and Chris Renaud, who was nominated for an Academy Award for the 2006 animated short, No Time for Nuts. [Rated PG; opens tomorrow]

Grade: A-


Note:

• Click on the Film Reviews icon at left to read other recent reviews -- including Cyrus, Grown Ups and Toy Story 3.