From August 26, 2013
SCORE: B+
First off, from wikipedia: “As of November 24, 2013, Despicable Me 2 has grossed $366,375,650 in North America and $550,100,000 in other countries, for a worldwide total of $918,081,374. It is the twenty-seventh highest-grossing film, the fifth highest-grossing animated film, the second highest-grossing 2013 film (behind ‘Iron Man 3’), the highest-grossing 2013 animated film, the highest-grossing Illumination Entertainment film, and the second highest-grossing Universal Studios film (behind ‘Jurassic Park’). With a budget of $76 million, the film became the most profitable film in the 100 year history of Universal Studios.”
Holy shit! Did you know that? I didin’t. And I’m not sure it’s deserved.
I thought Despicable Me 2 was pretty good, but not THAT good.
But most people disagreed with me with most critics giving it positive reviews, surprisingly enough. From wikipedia: “Stephen Whitty of the The Star-Ledger gave the film three out four stars, saying "Not only a fun cartoon but - that rare thing - a sequel which actually improves on the original."
I personally liked the first movie better. I more agree with this guy: Peter Hartlaub of the San Francisco Chronicle gave the film three out of four stars, saying "It's a credit that the writing can be so funny in the moment, that it takes time to realize there's no cohesive story, zero dramatic tension and nary a practical lesson for either the characters in the film or the people watching in the theater.”
The animation was good. Steve Carell as Gru is funny as always. And Kristen Wiig as Lucy Wilde is pretty good. But I have to say (SPOILER ALERT) I saw her and Gru getting together from about a 1,000 miles off. And if there’s one thing I hate, it’s being able to easily guess what’s going to happen in a film. I also felt that there was a bit too much about the Minions. They’re funny, sure, but the majority of the film shouldn’t be based around them. Leave that for a Minion film... like the one Universal is making soon.
