Movie Review - Despicable Me! 'Bad is the new good!'

‘Growing old is inevitable; Growing up is optional’ – if you live by this idiom, animation, cartoon films are never childish to demand a dekho and if you enjoy the genre, ‘Despicable Me’ is definitely worth your time.

Despicable Gru (voice by Steve Carell) prides in being the the world's ultimate evil villain and the best that there is in his line of business. All is fine till one day another villain and Gru’s arch-rival Vector (voice by Jason Segal) steals the spotlight from Gru by robbing the Egyptian pyramid. Gru won’t take this insult lying down and plans to revamp his reputation by carrying out a major heist – stealing the MOON! He approaches the Bank of Evil to sponsor the project. The bank refuses. Plan B – to compact the moon for which he first needs to get hold of the shrink ray (google it!). Gru has to enter Vector’s hideout to take the machine. For this he has to take the help of three spunky orphans Margo (voice Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (voice Dana Gaier) and Agnes (voice Elsie Fisher). What Gru does not apprehend is that the girls are a handful and they are all set to melt the heart of the mean baddie. (Sounds straight out of a Bollywood plot ain’t it?). Thus begins the great fun roller coaster ride from BAD to DAD!

Without focusing much on the storyline, enjoy this movie for its novelty, antics and whackiness. There are bucket loads of humorous scenes and wisecracks to keep the audience truly entertained. All the characters have a cutting edge sketch and at no point appear hollow or jumpy. Humour is straight lined, not deeply slapstick or cheeky, but equal in sarcasm and sharpness. Visually the film scores as well. Watch out for the supporting characters of Gru’s partner-in-crime Dr. Nefario (voice of Russell Brand) and also him loyal legion of mischievous pill-shaped tiny yellow minions and the character of Gru’s mother (voice Julie Andrews). Charming! Same goes for the clever reference to ‘Lehman Brothers’. Very cheeky!!

Vivid colors, near perfect animation, great voice-overs, feel-good heart-warming ending, all make this a great weekend family watch. DIL TOH BACCHA HAI JEE.

Although I haven't seen the 3D version, have been hearing great reviews about that too. Hope to catch it soon.

On second thoughts, Do I hear MacDonalds coming up with ‘Despicable Me’ models for their Happy meals. I for one won’t complain.! !