Back again with the chaotic family that has captured hearts worldwide, in Despicable Me 3, the animated film that takes us to meet Gru as a father facing family issues and the return of an '80s villain. But the biggest surprise is discovering he has a twin brother! Let's see if this installment is as fun and memorable as before.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story begins when Gru (Steve Carell) and the Anti-Villain League must capture Balthazar Bratt (Trey Parker), a former '80s child star turned eccentric villain. But the capture fails, leading to Gru being fired from the agency, and the family must adapt to a new life. Meanwhile, Gru receives a letter inviting him to meet his estranged family, and he discovers he has a twin brother named Dru (also voiced by Steve Carell), who lives a completely different life. Dru invites Gru to become a villain again, while Lucy (Kristen Wiig) and the three girls must handle new situations. As for the Minions, they have their own mischief when they escape to prison!
Performance and Characters
Steve Carell brilliantly voices both Gru and Dru, clearly showing the differences between the two characters. Gru remains a warm and anxious father, while Dru is cheerful, confident, and loves mischief. Kristen Wiig as Lucy is still adorable and funny, especially when she has to adapt to being a mother. Trey Parker (creator of South Park) gives a standout voice performance as Balthazar, with catchy dance moves and songs. However, this character may not be as deep as villains from previous installments. As for the Minions, although they have less screen time in this film, their prison scenes are fun and a highlight of the story.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
Kyle Balda directs with style. The visuals remain beautiful and colorful, typical of Illumination, especially the action scenes and creatively designed prison sequences. The musical score still uses familiar themes from the franchise, but the standout is the '80s songs used in Bratt's scenes, such as Michael Jackson's 'Bad,' which adds fun to the atmosphere. However, the pacing sometimes slows down, especially in the middle part focusing on family issues.
Editorial Analysis
Despicable Me 3 still maintains the fun and heartwarming charm, but the freshness of the story has diminished compared to the first two films. Adding the twin character is a good idea, but the plot is predictable. The Minions, once the highlight, have a reduced role, which may disappoint fans slightly. Nevertheless, the film still conveys messages about family and accepting differences well, and many comedic scenes still draw laughter, especially when Gru and Dru have to adapt to each other. Children will likely enjoy it, but adults may find it lacking in novelty.
Verdict
Although the story is not as fresh as the first film, Despicable Me 3 remains a fun and enjoyable family movie, especially for fans of Gru and the Minions who want to see a new adventure. Perfect for a Saturday night when you want something light and heartwarming.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Steve Carell voices two roles distinctly and entertainingly
- +'80s music and scenes add color
- +Minions' prison scenes are as funny as ever
👎 Cons
- −Story is somewhat repetitive and predictable
- −Minions have less screen time
- −Main villain may not be as memorable as Vector or Scarlet Overkill
Top Cast
FAQ
This is the third installment in the Despicable Me series, following the first (2010) and second (2013), with a sequel Despicable Me 4 (2024).
The Minions have less screen time than in the first two films, but they have standout scenes in prison that are very fun.
It is suitable for children aged 6 and up. The content is heartwarming and funny, with no excessive violence.
