When a movie combines action, humor, and heart effortlessly, it’s bound to entertain audiences of all ages, and that’s precisely what happens in Despicable Me 3. Released in 2017, this animated comedy brings back everyone’s favorite reformed villain Gru, voiced by Steve Carell, alongside his beloved Minions. The setting, as usual, is a blend of modern times and high-tech environments, where Gru juggles his personal life and professional missions. Set in various vibrant locations across the globe, including a tropical paradise and bustling city streets, the film’s animated world is as colorful and imaginative as ever. With its mix of family comedy and action-packed sequences, it firmly falls within the family-friendly adventure genre, continuing the fun tone established by its predecessors.
The story picks up after Gru has left his villainous ways behind, now working for the Anti-Villain League with his wife, Lucy, voiced by Kristen Wiig. Their quiet life takes a sharp turn when Gru is fired for failing to capture a new villain, the eccentric and retro-obsessed Balthazar Bratt, voiced by Trey Parker. Bratt is a former child star turned criminal mastermind, stuck in the 1980s with his shoulder pads, moonwalks, and weaponized bubblegum. Gru’s life gets more complicated when he discovers he has a long-lost twin brother, Dru, who is everything Gru is not—charming, successful, and eager to embrace a life of crime. The plot centers around Gru’s inner conflict as he faces Bratt, reconnects with Dru, and tries to figure out where his future lies. Alongside all the action, his Minions embark on their own wild misadventures, adding to the film’s hilarity.
One of the standout elements of Despicable Me 3 is Steve Carell’s voice performance. Not only does he reprise his role as Gru with his signature charm and humor, but he also voices Dru, Gru’s long-lost twin. Carell’s ability to create two distinct personalities for these brothers—Gru’s grumpy, no-nonsense attitude and Dru’s goofy, over-the-top enthusiasm—is impressive and adds a new dynamic to the film. The interactions between Gru and Dru are a highlight, providing both comedic and emotional moments as the brothers’ rivalry and bond develop. Carell’s double duty adds an extra layer of fun, with the two brothers’ contrasting personalities driving much of the humor and plot forward.
Kristen Wiig also shines as Lucy, bringing her usual wit and warmth to the character. Lucy’s attempts to bond with Gru’s adopted daughters provide sweet, heartfelt moments that balance out the high-energy action scenes. Trey Parker as Balthazar Bratt, however, steals the show with his over-the-top villainous persona. Bratt’s obsession with the 1980s, complete with a hilarious soundtrack of classic hits like “Take on Me” and “Bad,” makes him one of the more memorable villains of the series. Parker’s performance brings a unique flair to the character, and Bratt’s ridiculous antics, from his dance fights to his weaponized Rubik’s cubes, keep the audience entertained throughout.
Visually, the film is as stunning as ever, with its bright and colorful animation. The filmmakers have a knack for creating imaginative environments, from Bratt’s neon-infused lair to Dru’s sprawling mansion set atop picturesque hills. The attention to detail in the animation, especially in the chase scenes and action sequences, is commendable. The use of vibrant colors and dynamic camera angles gives the film a sense of energy that keeps the viewer engaged. The action scenes, particularly Bratt’s over-the-top heists, are choreographed with a level of detail that shows the animation team’s creativity. The special effects, such as Bratt’s outlandish gadgets and the Minions’ chaotic escapes, are both visually appealing and comically timed.
The film’s soundtrack, once again featuring Pharrell Williams, is a crucial part of the overall experience. While it doesn’t quite reach the same iconic status as the previous film’s hit single “Happy,” Pharrell’s upbeat and infectious tunes complement the film’s lively tone. The soundtrack, combined with the nostalgic 80s tracks chosen for Bratt’s character, helps set the playful mood of the film. The musical cues, especially during action scenes involving Bratt, are perfectly timed and add a layer of fun to the narrative.
On the narrative front, Despicable Me 3 does an excellent job of balancing multiple plotlines. Gru’s identity crisis, his relationship with Dru, the conflict with Balthazar Bratt, and the Minions’ side adventures all weave together without overwhelming the story. While the film maintains a light-hearted tone throughout, it also explores themes of family, loyalty, and self-discovery. Gru’s struggle with his past as a villain and his uncertain future as a father and husband adds emotional weight to the story. The bond between Gru and Dru, despite their differences, forms the emotional core of the film, delivering a message about the importance of family.
The humor, as expected from the franchise, is sharp and filled with a mix of slapstick comedy, visual gags, and witty one-liners. The Minions, as always, provide comic relief with their nonsensical chatter and ridiculous antics, from staging a prison break to sabotaging Gru’s missions. Their subplot, though secondary to Gru’s main story, offers plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. For fans of the Minions, their chaotic energy is on full display here, but the film wisely avoids overusing them, ensuring they don’t overshadow the main characters.
Overall, Despicable Me 3 is an entertaining and heartwarming continuation of Gru’s story. While it may not have the same freshness as the first film, it delivers a satisfying mix of humor, action, and emotion, making it a fun watch for both kids and adults. The addition of new characters, particularly Dru and Balthazar Bratt, brings fresh energy to the franchise, and the performances by Carell and Parker elevate the film. The animation, music, and humor all come together to create a feel-good experience that’s sure to leave audiences smiling. If you’ve enjoyed the previous films in the series, this one is definitely worth watching. It’s a delightful blend of comedy and family values, wrapped in the colorful and chaotic world of Gru and his Minions.
