Despicable Me 2 (2013) - Gru's Gang Returns: A Second Serving of Fun

Rating: ★★★½☆(3.5/5 Stars)

Released 12-10-2010

Watched 03-23-2024

Reviewed 03-29-2024

Watched on Peacock

"Yes, I have been recruited by a top-secret agency to go undercover and save the world!"

As a fan of the original Despicable Me movie, I was excited to see where the sequel would take the lovable characters of Gru and his minions. Despicable Me 2 certainly delivers on the humor and charm that made its predecessor so enjoyable, but it falls short in a few areas, preventing it from reaching the same heights.

One of the strongest aspects of Despicable Me 2 is its humor. The antics of the minions never fail to bring a smile to my face, and their slapstick comedy provides plenty of laughs throughout the film. Steve Carell's portrayal of Gru continues to be a highlight, and his interactions with the new characters introduced in this installment add depth to the story.

However, while the humor is on point, the plot feels somewhat lacking. The storyline involving Gru's transition from villain to hero feels a bit recycled from the first film, and I was hoping for more innovation in the sequel. Additionally, some of the subplots, particularly those involving Gru's romantic interests, feel a bit shoehorned in and distract from the main narrative a tad.

Visually, Despicable Me 2 is as vibrant and colorful as its predecessor, with stunning animation that brings the world of the film to life. The action sequences are well-executed and keep the pace of the film moving along nicely.

Overall, Despicable Me 2 is a decent sequel that offers plenty of laughs and entertainment for fans of the franchise. While it may not reach the same heights as the original, it still manages to capture the charm and spirit that made the first film so beloved. If you're looking for a lighthearted animated comedy with plenty of heart, Despicable Me 2 is worth a watch, even if it doesn't quite live up to its predecessor.