Review of Despicable Me 4 (2024)

Introduction and Background

Despicable Me 4 (2024) marks the latest installment in Illumination’s beloved animated franchise, continuing the adventures of Gru (voiced by Steve Carell), his mischievous Minions, and his ever-growing family. Since its debut in 2010, the Despicable Me series has become one of the most successful animated franchises in history, known for its humor, heart, and slapstick antics. This new chapter aims to expand Gru’s world with new characters, fresh comedic situations, and of course, plenty of Minion chaos. Fans eagerly anticipate whether Despicable Me 4 can recapture the charm of its predecessors while offering something new to audiences.

Story and Themes

The plot of Despicable Me 4 follows Gru as he navigates life as a family man while being drawn into another high-stakes adventure. This time, he must face a new villain whose schemes threaten not only his peaceful life but also the safety of those he loves. Alongside his wife Lucy (Kristen Wiig) and their adopted daughters Margo, Edith, and Agnes, Gru must outwit his latest adversary with the help of his trusty Minions. The film explores themes of family, redemption, and the struggle between one’s past and present self. As with previous entries, humor remains at the forefront, balancing slapstick gags with heartfelt moments that reinforce the franchise’s core message about the importance of love and loyalty.

Characters and Performances

Steve Carell once again delivers a charismatic performance as Gru, maintaining the character’s signature blend of gruffness and warmth. Kristen Wiig’s Lucy brings energy and charm to her role, while the Minions, voiced by Pierre Coffin, continue to steal scenes with their chaotic antics and gibberish-filled humor. The film introduces a new villain, voiced by a surprise addition to the cast, whose performance adds an entertaining layer of conflict. The supporting characters, including Gru’s daughters, play key roles in the emotional core of the film, ensuring that it isn’t just a Minion-driven spectacle but a well-rounded story with meaningful relationships.

Animation, Humor, and Legacy

As expected from Illumination, Despicable Me 4 features vibrant animation with expressive character designs and fast-paced action sequences. The humor is a mix of slapstick, clever wordplay, and pop culture references, catering to both younger audiences and longtime fans of the franchise. While some may argue that the series relies heavily on its established formula, the film manages to inject enough freshness to keep it engaging. Whether it stands among the best entries in the series remains a point of debate, but it undeniably continues the franchise’s tradition of entertaining storytelling. As Despicable Me remains one of the most commercially successful animated series, this latest installment solidifies its place in pop culture, proving that Gru and his Minions still have plenty of adventures left to share.