Odds 'n' Ends on "Despicable Me 2"

Re-watching Despicable Me 2, I found myself regretting my earlier opinions of it. No, it is not nearly as strong as the original Despicable Me, but it's also far more intelligent and deep than I initially gave it credit.

Amid a summer blockbuster landscape that has proven to be a bit of a wasteland, Despicable Me 2, even upon my first viewing of it, was refreshing for how colorful and uncynical it was. Now having seen a fair share of the summer movies (discluding indies and still having yet seen a handful of tentpole films), Despicable Me 2 ranks towards the top of the list. Too many films this summer have been abysmally bad (Man of Steel, Hangover 3, Grownups 2) that its a sight for sore eyes to see a film with a solid story that's often inventive and clever.

There's a consistently heartwarming story at the center of the second Despicable Me 2. While Gru is a more toothless character without his former villainy and one seemingly with little story left to explore, the parenting crash course that Gru is presented during the film is surprisingly earnest. Sub-plots I was previously dismissive of this time around I really took a shine to. Gru fretting over his teen daughter fawning over boys is not only very funny but spot-on in its accuracy. 

There are elements here that don't work. The villain "El Macho" borders perilously close to offensive. He's also a much less compelling and nuanced villain than the original's Vector. And the film simply doesn't spend enough time with him (It also does a poor job with the middle child Edith). The mall setting likewise never gets developed or built up satisfactorily. I would have liked to have met more shop owners; instead we're limited to two, one a not-so-red herring.

The minions remain the best part of the film. They're scene stealers, but the film thankfully never overuses them and they never overstay their welcome. Their adorableness is matched only by Agnes, the youngest daughter, who is an animation feat in her own right for her considerable cuteness. The cuteness though is part of the film's aesthetic which is bursting with dazzling color and memorable visuals. Take the journey of a spy car turned submarine plunging into the depths of the ocean. It is an astounding, gorgeous piece of animation. The animation is matched by an equally great voice cast. The cast has some wonderful comedic timing and it's only fitting we find great comedians such as Steve Coogan and Kristen Wigg added to the roster this time around.   

Despicable Me 2 is up there with Monsters University and Pacific Rim as the films of the summer that I've enjoyed the most. Monster University is another film I wish to revisit; I didn't give it enough credit the first time I saw it as well. It is another film brimming with a boisterous color palette and tons of fun ideas. Pacific Rim is also a film that's free of darkness. Perhaps what we need right now are films that don't try to be so serious or brooding or dark. We just need a fun time where we can laugh for an hour and a half, forgetting our worries. Despicable Me 2 does that without sacrificing creativity.