Despicable Me 2 Review
RYAN: This sequel featured more minions, as advertised, but it’s much less despicable. I like the voice talents – Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt, Russell Brand, among others. I liked the first one better and I also liked Monsters University better which is still in theaters.
CHUCK: I agree. The Monsters sequel had a purpose – it was a good extension of the story, as a prequel. Whereas this was just, like, a thrown together installment.
RYAN: This was just a hodge podge with the characters from the first one. It’s an undercover spy movie meets family drama cut with romantic comedy.
CHUCK: Yeah there were even elements of The Incredibles at the beginning with the retro but modern, underground, cool vibe.
RYAN: It’s too many genres shoved into one movie. And the rom com aspect was trying to cater more to the adults but it just bored me.
CHUCK: Yes. I was even thinking they could have cut that out and just focused more on the espionage plot, it would have been better.
RYAN: I liked the performances because I like the cast. The minions are still cute and they certainly were used more in this film. I love how you know what they’re saying even though they’re not speaking any real language.
CHUCK: The minions had a raise in their salary and got more screen time for sure.
RYAN: They’re fun but it also went a little Gremlins this time.
CHUCK: It did! I totally had the same feeling. They must have tried to think out of the box with the minions and switch it up, which they did.
RYAN: There were a lot of kids in the audience at the press screening and there was a lot of kiddie laughter but they were more restless during this than during Monsters University. Thus, this one wasn’t as engrossing on their level.
CHUCK: Definitely. This one relies more on physical comedy and slapstick humor. The kids seemed younger at this screening. Some parents were laughing too, though, and seemed to have a fun time during the movie.
RYAN: The 3D is decent.
CHUCK: Just overall, comparatively since it’s still in theaters and parents have a choice right now, the 3D and whole look of Monsters University was a step above this movie.
RYAN: I like the characters of the three little girls. They’re still super cute. But Steve’s character, Gru, didn’t have as good of a story arc in this film. He’s just the nice guy now. That’s so much less interesting.
CHUCK: His story arc was pretty much the rom com bit and wasn’t as good as him in the first one where he goes from being a total villain stealing the moon to being a father.
RYAN: It’s just a bit all over the place in terms of story and genre. Differing storylines cater to each kids, tweens and adult. It’s fine to take kids to, but I don’t think parents or other adults need to see this in the theater. It is cute though.
