Despicable Me 2 *** (2013, voices of Steve Carell, Russell Brand, Miranda Cosgrove, Elsie Fisher, Dana Gaier, Kristen Wiig, Ken Jeong, Benjamin Bratt, Steve Coogan) – Classic Movie Review 4912

Directors Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud’s cheery and likeable 2013 American 3D computer-animated comedy sequel to Despicable Me (2010) is more of the exactly same pleasing stuff without achieving its often inspired touch of greatness. It is good, but not quite as good as the first film, lacking its special level of sharpness and inspiration.

Despicable Me was a marvellous true original, and spinoffs and sequels are superfluous. However, as sequels go, it is still fun and delivers on the laughs, the vocal performances and the visuals, though the rather complicated and obscure plot is weaker this time.

Miranda Cosgrove and Steve Carell.

Steve Carell, Russell Brand, Miranda Cosgrove, Elsie Fisher, and Dana Gaier reprise their vocal roles as Gru, Dr Nefario, Margo, Agnes, and Edith.

Kristen Wiig, who previously played Miss Hattie, now voices agent Lucy Wilde. Ken Jeong, who played the Talk Show Host, is the voice of Floyd Eagle-san. The new cast members include Benjamin Bratt as Eduardo El Macho’ Pérez and Steve Coogan as Silas Ramsbottom, head of the Anti-Villain League.

Produced by Illumination Entertainment for Universal Pictures, and animated by Illumination Mac Guff, it is written by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio.

Pierre Coffin voices Kevin the Minion, Bob the Minion, Stuart the Minion and additional Minions and evil Minions (899 Minions in total!). Chris Renaud voices an Italian waiter and additional Minions and evil Minions.

It was nominated for Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and for Academy Award for Best Original Song (for ‘Happy’), losing to Disney’s Frozen. It grossed more than $970 million worldwide on a budget of $76 million.

The spinoff Minions was released on 10 July 2015. Despicable Me 3 is scheduled for release on 30 June 2017.

© Derek Winnert 2017 Classic Movie Review 4912

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com

Director Pierre Coffin.

Director Chris Renaud.