Despicable Me 2 (2013) User Reviews

Delightful Family Entertaining

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 1 February 2014]

The ex-villain Gru is raising his daughters Margo, Edith and Agnes and researching a legitimate jelly and jam business with Dr. Nefarion and the minions. Meanwhile, a laboratory in Arctic is stolen by a powerful aircraft using magnetism. The Anti-Villain league (AVL) agent Lucy Wilde recruits Gru to help her agency to discover who has stolen the laboratory and its research. They know that the thief has a store in a mall, and Gru suspects that the owner of the Mexican restaurant Salsa & Salsa, Eduardo Perez, may be the villain El Macho that is presumed dead in an accident.

"Despicable Me 2" is a delightful family entertaining. Who can resist to Gru, Agnes and the minions? And now, with Margo growing up and interested in boys and the clumsy but heartwarming Lucy Wilde, it is a great fun for the whole family. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Meu Malvado Favorito 2" ("My Favorite Wicked 2")

Good animated fun!

[MUFCOK · 8/10 · 23 June 2013]

I went to see this film this morning and found it very enjoyable. I can't really remember the 1st so I can't really compare.

Despicable Me 2 is a fast paced, funny, feel good film that keeps you entertained from the 1st minute to the last. The pace of the film moves along nicely and keeps the audience attention very well. It has many laugh out loud moments, a decent mix of children humour and adult humour.

The main character Gru (voiced by Steve Carell)is likable and funny. The minions however are the main stars, they had me laughing on multiple occasions during the film. The language created for the minions is very well done as they speak in a fictional language but you can always gather what they are saying.

I found the visuals very impressive, it was very colourful and very imaginative. The action scenes we also very well done.

Would definitely recommend seeing this, no matter what your age. I am 22 and thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It's not just for kids!

Better than the original!

[VisionofHope · 8/10 · 21 June 2013]

It's not often that a hit animated film's sequel surpasses the original film. Despicable Me 2 is one of those rare cases. From the moment it appears on the screen to the end of the film, Despicable Me 2 is a fast paced, fun film that never ceases to be entertaining.

This film has you laughing quite often, contains humour that both kids and adults can appreciate, and had at least one moment that was worthy of clapping out loud to.

The character development is to be praised, as is the warmth and soul that Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud put into this film.

This film leaves you feeling joyful and satisfied and happy for the characters and the new direction their lives are taking.

This film is not to be missed and I can't recommend it enough.

it's OK... funny but a bit boring

[goofyball · 6/10 · 5 July 2013]

i wanted to love it... i really did... i love the first one... told many about it... clearly lots of people saw it after it's theatrical run and are excited for part 2... but i saw it last night and it is a little dull... story is weak... predictable...

spoilers the main plot is that gru has to find a villain so gru's a good guy now... that's about it... not a bad idea but most of the movie is him stuck in a mall looking for this villain who is one of the shop owners... just not that interesting... and obvious and it just doesn't feel like a lot is at stake.

he points to the actual bad guy immediately... we all know this is the dude but the movie keeps going... the bad guy is kind of boring and not much is done... he's pretty generic... the villain (beyond gru) in the first one was so much better.

the oldest daughters thing for boys is cute... kristen wiig's character is fun and while their romance is obvious it's still OK the minions save the day... i mean the film.

not a bad sequel at all... still funny... carell and wiig are great... movie's just a little dull

Loved It!!!

[carrie-ann-707-769424 · 10/10 · 27 June 2013]

In all honesty I can't remember the first film that well, so I found it hard to compare to the sequel. On the other hand this film is completely memorable and so enjoyable.

I saw the preview and I absolutely loved it. I was worried that all the good bits were in the adverts but the film was full of exciting and hilarious parts that aren't in the advert.

The minions are so funny, I was actually crying with laughter at some parts. In fact, I enjoyed it so much I am taking my little brother to see it again (mainly so I can see it again! Hehe)

The characters are lovable, hate able, and hilarious, the film has evolved from the first one (from what I can remember) and its such a heart warming family film.

I COMPLETELY Recommend THIS FILM :)

A certain degree of disappointment

[princedelapau · 6/10 · 6 August 2013]

I totally fell in love with Despicable Me. It's probably going to be on my list of Ten Best Films, so naturally I awaited with eagerness the premiere of Despicable Me 2. I watched all the trailers, teasers and Mini Movies with Minions - loved them all. Then I watched the film in full 3D.

Oh dear...

I always thought that there might be a problem with transforming Gru from a villain into a good guy, and I was right. Half of the humour in the original film was based on the fact that Gru is not a nice person.

Unfortunately, he has now been sanitized, virtually recreated as a good suburban father, albeit with some extremely strange habits.

Two of the best protagonists from the original film were ignored: Vector, last seen on the Moon with a polythene helmet on his head, and Dr. Nefario, who vanished for 95% of Despicable Me 2. Even Gru's mother, who had some wonderful cameo appearances in the original, was visible only once.

So, continuity from Film 1 to Film 2 - virtually none.

One of the great charms of the original film were the incredible inventions: the Farter Blaster thing, the Anti-gravity Serum, the boogie robots... This time there was nothing to take their place.

With Vector and Pointy-haired Man from the Bank of Evil Gru had worthy opponents, but the villain of this film was an absolute non-entity - I can't even recall his name without looking it up. All of the tension and interplay between the characters in the first film were missing in this one.

Another of the highlights of the first film was the music. Unfortunately, the soundtrack this time was completely forgettable, with the exception of a reprise of one of the songs from the original - Pretty Girls, I think it was called. Something like that... I was a bit busy yawning to note exactly which of the good songs it was. I just made a mental note and then went back to being slightly bored again.

Yes, I enjoyed it, for a given value of "enjoy". Who could help but enjoy watching those darling little minions? But I left the cinema feeling cheated: Despicable Me deserved a better sequel, better music, a better story line and far better characterisation.

I'm wavering between 5/10 and 6/10, but I'll plump for 6/10 because I actually liked the 3D effects. Without them I'd probably plump for 5/10

Fantastic family fun, on par with the original

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 9 July 2013]

The first Despicable Me was a wonderful film, so while there is the worry of whether a sequel would work you can't help wanting to see it anyway. Despicable Me 2 was just as good as the first one, maybe not as fresh in terms of plot but what worked so well in the first works equally well here. The animation, also having the advantage of staying true to the style and look that the first had, is bursting with vibrancy and colour without looking too over-saturated as well as having a lot of detail to it. The retro-futuristic designs and gadgets are inventive and very striking to look at, while the music has rousing energy and is also memorable. Despicable Me 2 in the writing and gags is peppered with humour, and this is of the laugh-out-loud hilarious kind, though because there's a lot and that you may be laughing so hard you may be at a risk of missing something. To counter-balance the hilarity, the film also incorporates a message, it is a heartfelt one and doesn't feel cloying and out-of-place. For what the story may lack slightly in freshness in correlation with the first, it more than makes up for it in wit, heart, excitement and how briskly it moves without feeling rushed. Having more of the minions- one of the best assets of the first film- was a masterstroke also, and their subplot also gave the story an increasing sense of jeopardy and threat(though theirs is a little more interesting than that of world domination). Gru is a lovable character, whether a villain like in the first or not, and adds a lot of charisma and energy to the film. The top-notch vocal talents of Steve Carrell, Steve Coogan, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt and even Russell Brand are a further advantage. All in all, like the first Despicable Me this sequel is fantastic family fun and equal to it. 9/10 Bethany Cox

great movie for the whole family to enjoy

[0U · 21 February 2020]

Much funnier than the first one, Despicable Me 2 actually has me liking the second installation in a series much better than the original. A lot of sequels add in new characters. Some serve a purpose. Others not so much. This movie adds in new characters that are important. With funnier lines, funnier actions, and tons of minion madness, the movie has us focusing less on Gru's villainy, and more on the love life he never had.

Not as good as the first film due to little in the way of plot, it's still worth seeing just to watch the minions.

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 28 February 2014]

I adored "Despicable Me" and my wife and I could never agree which we liked more--that film or the similarly themed "Mega Mind". We liked them both but she preferred "Mega Mind". Regardless, both films are excellent and entertaining for all ages. Because "Despicable Me" made a huge amount of money, it wasn't surprising that soon after they announced they were making a sequel. And, when the early teaser promos arrived in theaters, they stressed the minions and said nothing about the sort of story the sequel would be. This was, apparently, very prescient--as the film turned out to be exactly that--a film with a vague plot but which was worth seeing just for the antics of the minions. In fact, my wife decided to see "Despicable Me 2" simply because she heard me laughing many times at the minions.

The film picks up pretty much right after the first one. Gru has adopted the three little girls and they, along with the minions and Dr. Lethario, are one big, happy family. However, trouble is brewing. Some super-villain has stolen a top secret formula that transforms nice creatures into killing machines--and a top secret international organization approaches the ex-villain, Gru, to help the locate the formula. They give him a spunky female sidekick and eventually romantic sparks fly. As far as the secret formula and the villain are concerned, this really seemed secondary to the romance and antics of the minions--and this plot seemed to wrap itself up quickly and easily.

As I said, the plot, for what it is, is minimal and seems to be just an excuse to watch the minions as well as the romance. And, for me, this was enough to justify recommending the film. Clearly not as good as the original, but filled with fun nonetheless.

Riotously hilarious, sugary sweet, absolutely adorable and most of all marvelously miniontastic!

[almanjit25 · 10/10 · 12 July 2013]

I saw Despicable Me 2 in the cinema and when i left i did not like it all that much. If i do not take to a film on the first watch then i am unlikely to change my opinion on subsequent views. This film is one of the rare exceptions. I have many 'perhaps' reasons of not liking it the first time from spoilers to mood changes. Well that in neither here nor there. I decided to see it just to pass time after a strenuous day at college followed by work. And i was blown away. Then i saw it again yesterday and it was even better.

It has its goal set out from the very start. It is family entertainment in and out. And great family entertainment.

It is contemporary ingenuity coupled with zany cartoony fantasy to produce a feature that is so much fun and so exciting. It is the first animated feature in a long time to move away from serious or emotion filled animation and instead aim for the imaginative wild completely unrealistic feel and fun of the cartoons of yore. That is a great thing as it feels like something new and in this case new is awesome. I adore emotion filled animation but sometimes you just need to smile and laugh and laugh some more with crazy comedic toon antics and this film provides that. The animation is so colorful and delightful, so pleasing to the eye in its adorableness.

Whoever imagined the minions needs to be awarded a medal. They are the most adorable, most cute, most sweet, most pure laugh and smile inducing creations to grace animation in a long time. They made me laugh out wildly and smile all through the film until my cheeks were hurting and i felt like bursting with pure happiness. They are just fun and amazing. Oh and they sing too, hilariously.

The films posters said as their tagline "The Spy who Lover Her'. An obvious reference to the James Bond flick, The Spy Who Loved Me. So obviously espionage and spy craziness is thrown in for a satisfying story. A story that in fact feels like an updated cartoon version of an exaggerated James Bond film of the the 70's and 80's.

Gru really is an amazing father and his relationship with the girls is something very precious. I like how family dynamic is explored in this film. Rarely do we have films of adopted children coming into a new family dynamic. The last time i saw that type of dynamic was in Tarzan in 1999 before seeing it once more in the prequel to this film. The girls are just great in this film. Agnes who is just so adorable wishes for a mother and Gru sees that and he can see it is saddening her. Gru is also lonely and goes out into the dating world resulting in hilarious consequences and sweet surprises.

Agent Lucy Wilde, nice pun since she is a huge dose of wild fun, is just a great character addition that adds to the looniness and excitement of it all. She is so weird in the best way possible, quirky, funny and absolutely amazing. She is a remarkable character. And her vivid personality just adds to the sweetness and captivating charm of this film. Thus she provides the perfect romantic lead for Gru.

Pharell Williams needs applause for the music. The songs are just so upbeat and fun and in the distinct style of Mr Williams. They are just so warm and the animated sequences accompanying them are just marvelous, fun and dream like. Adding to the smiles galore of the film.

It is a film for the family and the hilarious humor is divided into slapstick hilarity that adults too will thoroughly love, some jokes that will go over kids heads and some really sensational references mostly aimed at adults such as The Spy Who Loved Me and many more including other James Bond references and references to Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, The Incredibles, Get Smart as well as The Matrix and Superman among others.

I feel this film will become what the film Up is to me. A film so sweet, so heartwarming and imaginative and so smile inducing that it will just keep getting more amazing with further views as the years go by and become an absolute all time favorite.

I like that they mix humor with sweet awkward and adorable romance. Then they stir in the Minion Factor of pure awesomeness. Toss in great gags and action packed and imaginative excitement. Sprinkle some sweetness and finally folding in a dollop of fun. A very fun movie for everyone.

It was okay, I guess

[almighty_kyra · 6/10 · 16 July 2013]

I was really looking forward to this film, but to be honest, it wasn't all that amusing. It made me smile a couple of times, but no real chuckles. The story was a little messy. Gru wasn't as convincing. Neither were his interactions with some of the new characters. Pure good doesn't suit him very well. The minions weren't as funny - in fact, they were a little annoying - and the villain's master plan was rubbish.

The graphics were okay, but visibly low budget (compared to Pixar's Brave, for instance). It was as disappointing as one must expect from a sequel.

If you don't have anything better to do and just want to be mildly entertained for 98 minutes, go for it. Otherwise, just re-watch the original Despicable Me, it was a lot better.

When the world needed a hero, they called a villain.

[slwild-616-635800 · 9/10 · 23 June 2013]

I went to the cinema preview with my friend for this movie, and its even better than the first film! I only saw the first film recently, and I really liked it. I wasn't sure I wanted to go and see the film at first, but my mate wanted me to go and see the preview yesterday with him, and reluctantly, I said yes. Usually, the second films aren't better than the first, but boy was I wrong! I was laughing through out the whole film, and so was everyone in the audience, it was full to! Steve Carrell's character, Gru, was hilarious. I think everyone could agree though, the minions were the best characters in the film. My friend told me the directors made up a little language and did the voices, and I was very impressed, for you could hear a hint of English in every word they said.

So, if you have seen the first film and liked it, don't hesitate to go and see it when it officially come out on the 28th June. And if you haven't seen the first film, why not?

It's despicable if you haven't saw Despicable Me 2 yet. It's awesome fun!

[ironhorse_iv · 7/10 · 9 July 2013]

2010's Despicable Me was a huge hit that year, that from its success, a sequel was pretty much inevitable. Despicable Me 2 is truly just a fun movie to watch at the theater with your children or by yourself. The animation from Illumination Entertainment was pretty good, but I have to say that the movie trailers and promos will ruin it for you. I felt like I've already watched more than half of the movie in Youtube promos. So don't watch them. I do have to say that the sequel's story seem to be domination by the side characters Minions. I know that they will end up making a Minion movie for sure because they are just so damn adorable, but I thought they could have cut a little bit of them in the film to make more room for the love story. This is a 'Despicable Me' movie, not the Minions movie. While they may be a good marketing ploy, I really can't stand their chipmunk like noises after so long. Anyways, Despicable Me 2, has former super-villain Gru (Steve Carrel) being recruited with Lucy Wilde (Kristen Wiig) by the Anti-Villain League to help deal with a powerful new super criminal who stolen a secret formula that cause a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde reaction to whomever drinks from it. It was a cute little family movie, but nothing really new in my opinion. It's a bit clunky as the story of this movie isn't as strong to begin with. It felt like the love story was force too hard. One minute, he doesn't like Lucy, and then he does after she save him from a horrible date. It was painfully obvious right from the start who Gru would end up dating. The whole movie felt like the same old movie formula of a single father cliché storyline. Lucy can be a bit annoying, as Kristen Wiig acts like a spazz most of the film. Wiig also played Miss Hattie in the first film by the way. There is also a subplot of Gru's daughter Margo (Miranda Cosgrove) falling for his enemy's son. While, it could have work as a Romeo & Juliet type of sub-plot; the movie went a different way, and it was quickly resolve by the end of the film. Benjamin Bratt was brought in as a last minute replacement for Javier Bardem and Al Pacino as the movie's antagonist, El Macho. Al Pacino left the film due to creative differences. In my opinion, Benjamin Bratt does well. It must been hard for him, since he was brought in at such a late stage of animation. Due to the finished animation, Bratt had to match his timing exactly to the character's mouth movement. I love that El Macho has a crazy pet chicken. He wasn't annoying like Vector was from the last movie. Back story of the villain El Macho, the most manly villain ever, was just funny as hell. Is the Hispanic stereotype jokes, a bit racist? Maybe, but it's all for fun. The ending fight with the villain was a bit disappointing as the secret formula that supposed to transform living things into indestructible killing machines was quickly end within a minute of fighting through nothing more than electricity. It was previous establish earlier in the film, that electricity doesn't stop them, so why did it work now? There is a lot of slapstick humor that the children will love, and some adult might enjoy. I do have to say to make sure to watch the 2010's short films such as Home Makeover, Orientation Day, and Banana as there is a number of running gags from those films in this film. There is a lot of adult jokes that the children will never get like the Minions dressing up like the Backstreet Boys. The movie is a lot of fun however. A lot of good supporting cast like Steve Coogan, and Russell Brand is an awesome addition to the cast. Glad that Ken Jeoung's role was cut to a few lines in the film. He would had ruin the movie. Even though you know how the movie's going to end, you really want her and Gru to end up together. Agnes (Elsie Fischer) continues to be one of my favorite animation kid character ever and the Minions are ever so funny. Like I said before, a Minion movie will come out and also a Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem ride at Universal Studios will be set to open soon. So check out this movie, and the previous one. It's a charming fun film.

A disappointment

[jcl541 · 4/10 · 29 July 2013]

Sigh!

I don't get to watch too many movies, and even fewer on the big screen. So after watching Despicable Me (the original) numerous times at home - and loving it to death, this movie was a big disappointment for me and my daughters at the movie theater. It's been hard for me to put a finger on exactly what was missing, but I think it is mostly the lack of clever, witty dialog that filled the first movie. There are many fun moments in this movie, but they are predominantly sight-gags and one-liners. And sadly, the space between those moments was just not too intriguing. FYI, my girls (10 and 7) were also underwhelmed - though my younger one asked to get it on DVD or iPad, so she could replay the few parts she really liked.

I thought this sequel had a lot of potential - especially in the Lucy character, but most of that potential was just squandered. The villain is portrayed with a very stereotyped and non-PC caricature, and unlike Vector (the villain from the first movie), didn't seem to have any motive. The evil plot was actually kind of scary instead of being funny, and the characters seem to spend a lot of time doing things that were just not that interesting and saying things that were just not that funny.

All in all, a real let-down for our once-in-a-blue-moon trip to the movie theater.

Jokes Over Substance

[billygoat1071 · 6/10 · 9 July 2013]

The first Despicable Me was like a potential for a childhood favorite of the new generation by showing a memorable set of characters, and themes that contain a right amount of heart and sweetness. The existence of a sequel is obvious, by the way, there may be more things to explore in this villainous world. The charms and laughs return, but dealing with the story, it's cluttered with subplots that feels episodic and messy. However, many would still find it very entertaining and hilarious. Despicable Me 2 is okay, but its ambition needs to be more than their obsession with the minions.

Just like the original, the film sets Gru to a simple mission, then he suddenly gets some distractions by his family building issues. But those certain distractions helps the film to be more than just a silly James Bond parody adventure and eventually gives a heartwarming message. We can accept this way of being more interested in the family stuff than the spy action, but now this sequel doesn't have much of the consistency from the first. There isn't much going on in the main plot, letting the subplots do most of the job. The subplots, as always, are tend to build a theme, but the story didn't dig enough to make all of that compelling. In the end, some twists are suddenly revealed and almost all of their problems are immediately solved.

The voice performances still fill some life to these delightful characters. The best parts, without a doubt, are the minions, since they are the biggest reason why everyone wanted to see this. Their humor and antics are priceless and there is no single scene that you won't giggle. Here, they are a lot crazier than you would hope, because definitely that is what any kid or fan wants. The animation and action scenes are as lively as the comedy running around.

Despicable Me 2 spares some good laughs, but it's still sort of disappointing. It indulges itself for focusing too much on the cute stuff. That's not bad, but the film quickly loses interest at the bigger picture. As much as it's terribly entertaining and funny, people will leave the theater lacking enough heart. The central plot is not energetic compared to the comedy, and the protagonist's distractions, which are supposed to create themes, are now plain distractions. Thinking aside, how worse could have been? To those who root for the characters(other than the minions) will somehow like it at least. A less bland blockbuster can be beneficial in this era. Still, the film would've been way better.

Great Fun!

[Scottfarmer778 · 9/10 · 28 July 2013]

So Despicable Me 2 is a very family funny/friendly animated comedy which at points really does make you laugh! If you are reading this now and haven't yet seen the trailer, I would recommend you don't watch the trailer and just go straight to the film, Some of the best parts are shown in the trailer. To watch this film you don't really need to have seen the first however I would recommend you do as at points the film refers to Despicable Me (1).

I'm going to keep this review short and simply say, I gave this film a 9* rating as I found it strongly entertaining, not as funny as I thought but still a great film! The story line was also very easy to follow and keeps you engaged throughout.

Would recommend this film to anyone! I would say most people will enjoy this film, find it entertaining and recommend it to there friends!

This film is perfect for any family to view!

Entertaining but ultimately unsatisfying

[jjgooner · 6/10 · 6 July 2013]

Despicable Me 2

**1/2 (out of 4)

98 mins / U

Cast: (voices) Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt, Miranda Cosgrove, Russell Brand, Ken Jeong, Steve Coogan, Elsie Kate Fisher, Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud, Moises Arias

Directors: Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud

Plot: Gru is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to stop a new evil super-villain from taking over the world.

JJ's Verdict: Although it is definitely flawed throughout, Despicable Me 2 gives audiences exactly what they wanted; more minions.

The film no longer shows us the original Gru: an evil villainous criminal trying to steal famous objects, but a somewhat dull and loving father trying to please his three children. Both versions of Gru want you to empathise with him but only the original makes you care about him due to his total vulnerability. In Despicable Me 2, he seems almost faultless (apart from when it comes to women) which is something I dislike about this one in comparison to the original 2010 film. Gru is recruited by an irritating Agent from the Anti-Villain League who gets him to search a local Shopping Mall for a new super-villain who has developed a potion which, when entered into a living species, turns them into purple killing machines. From here Agent Wild and he try to discover who the baddie is.

The most annoying thing about this film is that the moment you see the villain, you know it is him, and although the entire film keeps telling you it isn't him, it is so obvious it is. Every character seems to be completely stupid and without any logic at all. Gru is supposed to monitor the mall from a cupcake shop but there are no scenes expanding on the shop and it seems a waste to include what could be a great place for the minions to create mayhem. In the mall, there are forgettable supporting characters who aren't expanded on at all. I know it is a children's film but, considering its length, they really could have done something with all the under-developed characters the film leaves you with.

The saviours in the film actually are the characters that are expanded on. Benjamin Bratt voices a fun villain whom I will leave unnamed and Kristen Wiig's Agent Wild, although starts off annoying, grows on you as the film passes and develops a cute relationship with Gru. The minions are back and better than ever with jelly growing and hilarious dream sequences. The little noises they make fail to grow old and keep you entertained throughout. Adults will feel unsatisfied with all the potential but the kids will love it. Stay tuned for a wonderful 3-D set of post-credit mayhem which gives us a nice hint to a Minions movie in 2014, which follows Kevin the Minion before he meets Gru.

A must see.

[nazanya · 10/10 · 3 July 2013]

This movie will honestly have you crying of laughter. It's as if this franchise will only continue to be better and better! With lots of lovely little twists and silly little gags Despicable me 2 will warm your heart and leave you smiling like silly! Definitely something to watch if you're upset, definitely will cheer you up.

The movie has you smiling straight from the start with the cuteness and the willingness emitted from Gru when it comes to the kids.

Despicable me 2 was absolutely worth the wait. With lots of highs and lows Gru has managed to prove to the audience that we should be able to put our faith in him, much like our common superhero movie Gru is put in difficult situations we question how he will get out of, but of course, he does.

This is not just for children either, people ages 30 could easily be caught smiling at this heart-warming movie.

LIGHTBULB! Not so bright. REVIEW with SPOILERS!

[Kane41 · 6/10 · 22 June 2013]

Back in April I posted a reply on the boards indicating a sentiment of anticipation that I could not wait to see Despicable Me 2 having loved the first.

I take my words back.

It was enjoyable but I could have waited!

Not as fresh, not as funny, not as simple or as visually fantastic or as big hearted as the first.

Suffers a classic case of 'the sequel needs to be bigger' - which lays the way for busy visuals and too many subplots, in turn over complicating the story and cooling the focus of its heart.

Is it fresh? No - what main plot of villainy there is, is boring. Although Gru and Agent Lucy Wilde's relationship is predictable it is handled efficiently enough that you hope boy gets girl and vice versa if only for Agnes' sake.

It is funny? It's a mixed bag lacking the warmth of the first film, so the myriad of gags try harder in this (unsuccessfully) through added comedic violence. The main laughs are, for the most part, made up by antics of the Minions - these little yellow guys are no longer the side show to the wit of Gru and the delicious voice delivery of Steve Carell.

Is it simple and visually fantastic? I'll say no - that's not to say the CG animation is not fantastic - it is as you would expect dazzling! But is it way too busy and that was the joy of the first.

Is it big hearted? I think you can manage an answer from the observations above and your own feelings once you've seen it. I'll put it this way - it does try - but there is nothing in DM2 that comes close to Gru's bed time storytelling.

The story arc of 'family' is now complete for Gru and the girls - moving forward I hope Despicable Me 3 is a prequel - of a time when Gru, Dr Nefario and the Minions were still up to no good.

6.5/10

I didn't mean to call you a meat loaf, Jack !

If you liked the first, you'll like this one!

[DJKwa · 8/10 · 25 June 2013]

Even more Despicable! Actually this is a sweet turn for the lovable anti-villain villain, Gru (voiced by Steve Carell), who is comfortably back as a bona fide family man, to the three adorable orphans who melted audiences hearts alike in the first film. Gru would seem like a fun father, but he takes his responsibilities overbearingly over the girls as he has trouble accepting them growing up. Not only that, but he struggles to find contentment with no longer being a villain, with his laboratory now transformed into a jam-making factory. Through expected plot development, advocated from a sequel, it is not until a love interest comes along, Lucy Wilde (voiced by Kristen Wiig), that Gru loosen his shell and the plot moves into action. She takes him to the aptly titled 'anti-villain league' who recruit Gru, with Lucy as his partner in anti-crime, to take down a new villain who has taken disguise at a local shopping mall. What better way to take down a villain than with a post-villain. However Gru is not as proficient as he used to be, he is divided and distracted between his responsibilities to his girls, his love for villainous antics and his mixed emotions to his new partner.

The plot moves efficiently and effectively, moving briskly but taking special care with the characters whom audience enjoyed the first time around, while injecting a few new ones. Of course this means the minions are back, if ads didn't make it obvious. The uniformly dressed but motley shaped crew seem to have grown exponentially in number, as they are ever present in the film. Even their antics in the background over petty things, prove hilarious, but the pint size helpers also take a pivotal role in the plot. This strikes an interesting point in the films advertising. Hardly any plot was divulged, beyond set-up, meaning that there are plenty of surprises to be had in the film. In fact the minions took the foreground of marketing, being funny without substantiating into crass or being overtly annoying. Not only are they ingenious supporting characters but also act as an ingenious means of marketing the film, without spoiling much of the fun of the film, similarly like Scrat in the Ice Age films. If you only liked them in the first film, you'll love them now.

The bottom line (hahaha 'bottom'- you read it in a minion voice didn't you :) is that this is a very comfortable flick. It lives up to the adage, if you liked the first you'll like this one. Colorful and cheerful animation, that is quite impressive, with more minion madness, as expected, punctuated by heart warming sentiment, in good measure.

So-so sequel

[rigoletto339 · 6/10 · 17 July 2013]

Like many sequels, this one falls short of the original. The first movie is set apart by its originality, and the transformation of the arch-villain Gru into a soft-hearted father.

This time around, Gru and the kids are already settled, and he's retired from villlainy. The only thing to do is bring him out of "retirement" to do battle with yet another villain, who wants to take over the world (don't they all?).

Throughout the movie, minions abound, providing comic relief (in a comedy).

But most of the action is only a little more than ordinary. Some sight gags work well, but not enough to make this sequel stand out. some scenes just run too long - the Cinco de Mayo party, for one.

There's a possibility of a third movie, and with a partner for Gru, the stage is set for something completely different. But I'll wait and see.

40% more Minions a must go see!

[kmacmillan880 · 10/10 · 4 July 2013]

This was better than the 1st film which I saw and enjoyed. This is fast paced and funny because I laughed throughout. There are loads of potentially funny situations and they exploited them all instead of the disappointment of not taking things that little bit further. I'll be seeing it again and again as there is so much to catch the 2nd and 3rd time around too. The new characters, bad guy and gal spy, the spicy Latin flavor all enhance the storyline and enjoyment of the film. Minions are all throughout the film so if you wanted more you got more. I saw the 2D version which was brilliant. 3D would be quite a ride with all the action scenes. Check it out !!!

'Meh' at best

[Rendianami · 6/10 · 19 July 2013]

I'm slightly confused as to why this ranked number one in the box office. It's an OK movie, but it's not great enough to beat movies that should have claimed number one, such as Pacific Rim.

The movie itself has many good intentions, but it focuses too much on the minions rather than around Gru's life with his daughters, and bonding with them. Sure, it pans to the fans' obsession with these yellow Minions, but for those who aren't in love with them, it can lead to a mediocre experience.

I've watched it four times. The first two were with other friends, and the other two were alone in the audience. I can't say it's a movie that you should watch alone, because you won't be laughing as hard as in a crowd. The movie starts off great, but after Lucy shows up, the act with the Minions has me a bit unfocused. The skit there is drawn out too long, and even the scenes after that don't keep me on the edge of my seat.

The scenes at the mall brought a chuckle at the most from me, but overall, pelvic thrusting from Gru made me feel awkward surrounded by parents who may think that it's inappropriate for their children to be watching. And it sort of is. It's embarrassing.

It just gets more and more drawn out, and I really wanted to leave the movie at the halfway point (at the fourth time watching it), because I know I'm not going to get any pleasure watching the rest of it.

I do watch movies repeatedly, over and over, but I won't be seeing this movie again. I won't say that I was ever a major nerd for Despicable Me, so maybe that's why my review isn't ecstatic over this movie. I don't feel it earned its place as number one convincingly enough, but hopefully it will be the last of this Despicable Me series.

Fell Short of the Goal

[Vincent_B · 4/10 · 6 July 2013]

This movie might be worth the rental and then it is just something to toss at your kids about 6 to 8 years old. The first movie was hit with both young and old but this movie is just cliché filled with tropes and idioms. Unlike the first story this one lacks humor.

The writers completely lose sight of the good characters from the first movie such as; Vector, Dr. Nefario, and even Gru's Mom. They bring in a new villain who leaves a dry taste in your mouth. The only thing original and funny about him was his premature demise. Instead the comedy falls on the shoulders of his minions. The plot is far too predictable for any adult.

The moral of the tale? Apparently single parents are just no good at raising children.

A marginally adequate brain-off entertainment

[Gordon-11 · 28 June 2013]

This animation is about the super villain Gru, who is recruited to fight another villain's plot to take over the world.

"Despicable Me 2" has very cute characters doing silly things, which is fun to watch at times. The minions are so silly that they got me chuckling many times. However, the charm of the film ends there. Maybe I am not the right age or the right demographic, but I find "Despicable Me 2" just a little to silly. It is a simple hero versus villain film, with very little to engage the adult viewers. The emotional subplot the search for a mother is just too thin to make any emotional impact.

In recent years, animations are so good that viewers are completely spoilt. We expect a visually appealing film with fun, jokes and emotional subplots, plus an obligatory moral lesson. "Despicable Me 2" might have been a good film fifteen years ago, but it is only a marginally adequate brain-off entertainment for the high standards nowadays.