Despicable Me 4 Review: Full of Promise Yet Falls Short

Despicable Me 4 has finally arrived in theaters after a seven-year wait. The beloved Minions are back, and Illumination Studios’ flagship franchise shines once more. However, despite its enduring popularity over 15 years, Despicable Me 4 left me conflicted. While it’s undeniably entertaining and keeps you laughing throughout, it’s not without its issues. Join me as I review Despicable Me 4, exploring all aspects of this film.

Hints at the plot’s untapped potential

Despicable Me 4 begins with a thrilling sequence where Gru (Steve Carell) attends an alumni event at Lycée Pas Bon, a school for aspiring villains, disguised as part of a mission for the AVL (Anti-Villain League). There, he encounters Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) and Valentina (Sofía Vergara), who have gained powers from harnessing insects, notably cockroaches.

After a confrontation with AVL, Maxime is captured but later escapes from prison seeking revenge on Gru, driven not only by his capture but also by a long-held grudge from their school days. Meanwhile, Gru, now a family man with Lucy (Kristen Wiig) and their son Gru Jr., along with their daughters Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Agnes (Madison Skyy Polan), and Edith (Dana Gaier), are relocated to Mayflower under new identities.

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The plot unfolds with Maxime relentlessly pursuing Gru and their ensuing clashes, interspersed with intriguing events. Meanwhile, the AVL conducts experiments granting Minions superpowers akin to superheroes like Superman, Mr. Fantastic, Cyclops, and The Thing, adding another layer of excitement to the story.

Despicable Me 4’s potential becomes both its strength and its challenge.

Now that we’ve delved into the plot of Despicable Me 4, it’s clear that the movie holds significant promise. However, its execution leaves much to be desired. The storyline diverges in multiple directions, sometimes overshadowing the main plot. This isn’t to say that Despicable Me 4 is lacking—it’s quite the opposite. The film’s potential is vast, yet this very potential poses a challenge.

Early in the film, we’re introduced to Lycée Pas Bon, a fascinating addition to the franchise—a school for aspiring villains that echoes Hogwarts in a villainous context. Regrettably, this intriguing setting is explored only briefly, appearing in just a few sequences.

Another missed opportunity lies with the Mega Minions, a central element heavily promoted in the film’s marketing. Despite their significance, they are only featured in a handful of scenes: their creation, an unsuccessful rescue attempt, and a brief appearance near the end. Given their pivotal role in attracting audiences to theaters, the Mega Minions deserved more substantial screen time and development.

Finally, there’s Poppy Prescott (Joey King), the neighbor’s daughter who coerces Gru into helping her orchestrate a heist to steal Lenny the Honey Badger, the mascot of Lycée Pas Bon. She later assists Gru in infiltrating Maxime Le Mal’s ship and proves to be a lively and engaging character throughout the film. However, like the other elements mentioned earlier, her character remains underexplored.

It’s possible that these aspects were intentionally left underdeveloped to pave the way for future spinoffs beyond just Minions. Nevertheless, Despicable Me 4 could have given more depth to these elements to enhance the overall storytelling experience.

Despicable Me 4 neglects promising characters, their potential wasted.

As a fan of the Despicable Me series, I found the overall plot of Despicable Me 4 somewhat underwhelming. While it’s primarily aimed at kids, Illumination Studios should also cater to the substantial adult and young adult audience. Studios like Marvel and DC frequently manage to appeal to both demographics effectively.

Throughout the movie, Maxime Le Mal’s vendetta against Gru appears rooted in their ninth-grade history rather than just his capture. Maxime’s drastic actions, such as transforming Gru’s son and nearly killing him, underscore their rivalry. However, the sudden reconciliation where they sing “Everybody Wants to Rule The World” together at the end felt oddly abrupt, making their enmity seem shallow and unresolved.

Should you watch Despicable Me 4?

Yes, you should watch Despicable Me 4. Despite its flaws, the movie is highly entertaining, keeping you laughing throughout. It delivers everything you’d expect from a Despicable Me or Minions film: the lovable Minions, hilarious antics from Gru and his family, adorable moments with Gru Jr., and action sequences that are both funny and cool. While it may have some shortcomings from an adult perspective, Despicable Me 4 is ultimately a fun and enjoyable movie experience.