Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Clever, funny, and sweet villain-with-a-heart-of-gold tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
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Despicable Me
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 135 parent reviews
Based on 237 kid reviews
Kids say that this animated adventure features a comical villain, Gru, who transforms into a loving father through his interactions with three orphaned girls, providing a blend of humor and heartwarming themes. While it is often described as funny and suitable for family viewing, some reviewers raise concerns about mild language and the portrayal of adoption, noting a mix of positive and negative messages about family and friendship.
- family friendly
- humorous
- positive messages
- adoption themes
- mild language
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In DESPICABLE ME, supervillain Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) has made a name for himself stealing things like the Times Square JumboTron and the Statue of Liberty, but when he's outshone by younger villain Vector (Jason Segel), Gru sets out on a mission to steal the moon and prove his worthiness. Gru, in need of a way into Vector's mansion, uses kids from a nearby orphanage to exact his plan. Adopting three young girls—Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier), and Agnes (Elsie Fisher)—Gru sets out to prove who's the best villain of all. But when he starts to develop real feelings for the children, he's forced to decide whether it's better to leave a legacy of crime or a legacy of love.
Is It Any Good?
Carell as Gru may be the draw for this delightful movie, and he does a wonderful job—as always—with his voice acting, but it's the girls who are the most impressive. They know exactly how to convey hurt, disappointment, joy, and wonder—not an easy task for young actors, but it's what makes Despicable Me so lovable. Segel's Vector is that fabulous combination of super nerdy and super arrogant, exactly the sort of villain (and person) who would rankle a veteran villain like Gru. The movie also has a wonderfully catchy and unique soundtrack by hip-hop performer/producer Pharrell Williams.
The best movie villains gleefully chew up the scenery, either because they're so creepily eeeevil (Darth Vader, Hannibal Lecter, Voldemort) or because they're larger than life (the Terminator, Cruella de Vil, the Wicked Witch of the West). So it's a unique twist to see an animated movie that focuses on the villain. He doesn't turn into a hero overnight, but he's not a one-dimensional tyrant, either. He's got "mommy issues" (his mom, played by Julie Andrews, is the stereotypical "overly critical" mother who's never pleased with her son's accomplishments), he's older and not as "bankable" as he used to be, and he really needs a buzzed-about scheme to go his way. Enter the three little orphans, the youngest of whom (Agnes) is so irresistibly adorable she's like a human Puss 'N Boots. Will Gru prove to be the best villain, or find something more meaningful to fight for?
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the fact that Despicable Me centers around a "villain" instead of a "hero." Is that typical? How does Gru change over the course of the movie? What happens that affects his attitude?
How are orphans depicted in the movie? What about orphanages? Do you think that's how orphans must be treated or feel? Name some other famous orphans in movies and books.
How does the cartoon action in this movie compare to others you've seen? Does this kind of media violence have more or less impact than what's in live-action movies? Why?
How do the characters in Despicable Me demonstrate compassion? Why is this an important character strength?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 9, 2010
- On DVD or streaming : December 14, 2010
- Cast : Jason Segel , Kristen Wiig , Miranda Cosgrove , Steve Carell
- Directors : Chris Renaud , Pierre Coffin
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Character Strengths : Compassion
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : rude humor and mild action
- Award : Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : May 8, 2024
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