‘Despicable Me 3’ Review: ‘Predictable But Fun,’ Franchise Over?
Despicable Me 3 hit movie theaters last week. Overall reviews conclude that the “threequel” was “predictable but fun” with some “’80’s humor” for the parents and “silly minion jokes” for the kids but is this the end of the Universal Pictures franchise?
A good laugh for kids and adults
Despicable Me 3 follows the reformed supervillain Gru, voiced by The Office star Steve Carell, and his new wife, Lucy (Kristen Wiig). The two are both Anti-Villain League agents and are invited to Freedonia to meet Gru’s long-lost twin brother, Dru (also voiced by Steve Carell), along with their three girls.
The animated film does not contain any violence that might not be considered appropriate for children but according to Common Sense Media, Despicable Me 3 does feature some high-tech weapons and destructive robot lasers.
The third installment of the hit franchise includes lots of chases and explosions, which created a “heavier” feel throughout the film than with the previous two. However, the majority of the action scenes were filled with silly super-sized sticky chewing gum and dart guns.
The language in Despicable Me 3 is mild with words like “loser,” “failure,” and “boob” in Minion talk but the Minions do appear to look partially nude, as well as Gru and the film’s villain after a weapon blew off all of their clothes.
The character, Lucy, serves as a positive female role model and the film contains strong messaging about the power of family and friendship.
Is it the end of a franchise?
Despicable Me 3 has been described by film critics as “predictable but fun.” Steve Carell playing both the dark and bald Gru and his blonde brother Dru is “hilarious.” The twin material proves to be endearing while remaining comical and easy for even the youngest of audience members to understand.
South Park co-creator Trey Parker is the voice of the villain Balthazar Bratt, a resentful middle-aged man who couldn’t come to terms with his fall from celebrity status.
While Despicable Me 3 was entertaining, movie reviews seem to agree that something appeared to have been lacking, according to the film review by The New York Times.
Empire Online also said that Despicable Me 3 was the “third-best in terms of quality.”
The “threequel” doesn’t match up to the standards and success of the first Despicable Me which may signal the end of the popular franchise.
Did you see Despicable Me 3? What did you think of the third installment of the franchise? Let us know in the comments section below.
[Featured Image by Tristan Fewings/Stringer/Getty Images]
