Despicable Me

This year’s Academy award for best Animation Feature Film is going to be a bit tough. As of now, we have already seen Toy Story 3 which I believe was brilliant. And now we have Despicable Me which is going to be very close to Toy Story. Maybe a close 2nd but really close nevertheless. The difference being this comes from the studios of Twentieth Century Fox and not Pixar (synonym for Animation Movies) which is a very pleasant surprise to say the least. Finally there is some competition to Pixar. Will definitely ensure that there are better movies that come out in future… oh goody!!!!!

Meet Gru (Steve Carell) – He is really tall, with a large torso and really scrawny legs – like you wud see in a cartoon . He is also quite ugly I must say. He also drives a really really large automobile which bulldozes its way through traffic as if there was no tomorrow. His primary goal in life is to be the best criminal of all time!!! Standing in his way are 2 problems one goes by the name of Vector (Jason Segel). He is younger, smarter and does not have what is Gru’s second problem – Money!!!!!! Gru lives in a very dark house below which he has a massive operation unknown to the general public. He stays there with any entire army of small cute li’l creatures called Minions. He also has a geriatric Dr. Nefario (Russel Brand) as his chief scientist. Gru has also had a not so great upbringing with his mom (surprise surprise – Julie Andrews) not providing him any encouragement whatsoever.

And to make matters worse for Gru, his performance over the past few years has not led to any gain in confidence with the Bank of Evil – the primary bank that funds criminals and criminal activities. The Bank very clearly rejects his request for a new loan to steal the moon citing the existence of a new player who has already proven himself by stealing the Piramyd from Giza – quite a daunting task executed with utmost ease. The same ease with which he allows Gru to steal the Shrinking Device from a high security facility and then steals it off Gru.

In the meantime, we are introduced to Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Elsie Fisher) – 3 li’l girls from the local orphanage. Now they are obviously not treated quite well @ the orphanage and spend their time collecting funds by selling cookies – as good as child labour  - Not Good!!!! However, on one of their rounds, they knock on the door of Vector who it is a revealed has a fetish for a particular variety of coconut cookies. Gru who has been desperately trying to get into Vector’s lair to get the Shrinking Device back over hears this and cracks upon a plot to adopt the 3 kids and use them to get into Vector’s lair. He uses his “charm” to sweet talk his way with the warden at the orphanage and gets the kids home.

What follows is a lovely comedy of errors. A complete feast for kids and adults alike. Very slickly done animation. Great story line. Lovely humour. Super Family outing, paisa vasool movie. Great action too which doesn’t need a PG certification. Spice it up with even better thrills and joyrides. This one is a must watch in 3D to get the best possible effect.

Steve Carell shows that his versatility is now extended to giving voice overs as well. I think it is time that there is a separate category for best voice over @ the Oscars. The rest of the cast is equally good with the pick of the voice-overs being Elsie Fisher for the very little Agnes.

I give this 7 on 10 definitely. Toy Story will get the Oscar as of now but marginally as i had mentioned.  Go right ahead with your kids and family and have a wonderful Sunday afternoon at the movies.