Despicable Me 4
Despicable Me 4
Gru, Lucy, Margo, Edith, and Agnes welcome a new member to the family, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad. Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal and his girlfriend Valentina, and the family is forced to go on the run.
Manuel Frangis reviewedMarch 19, 2025
I just watched Despicable Me 4 and would rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars. This latest installment brings back the familiar charm of the series but does not quite reach the heights of the first two movies. However the addition of Will Ferrell as the new villain Maxime Le Mal adds a fresh and entertaining dynamic that makes this movie a fun watch. I love Will Ferrell and his movies so seeing him in this was definitely a highlight.
The story follows Gru now in witness protection as he tries to adapt to a more normal life away from villainy. Of course things do not stay quiet for long and he is soon pulled back into an adventure filled with over the top action and comedy. The plot has some fun ideas but it feels a little all over the place juggling multiple subplots that do not always connect smoothly.
Steve Carell is still fantastic as Gru bringing back the same humor and charm that has made the character so popular. Gru is still sarcastic unpredictable and oddly lovable and it is always fun to watch him deal with ridiculous situations. The family dynamic with Margo Edith and Agnes is still present but they do not get as much attention as they did in previous films. They have some sweet and funny moments but their storyline feels more like a side plot this time around.
The Minions are still as chaotic as ever bringing their usual slapstick humor and nonsense dialogue. If you enjoy their antics you will have plenty to laugh at but their scenes do not add much to the actual story. It sometimes feels like they are included just for extra laughs rather than being an important part of the plot.
The standout in this sequel is Will Ferrell as Maxime Le Mal. He is exactly the kind of wild over the top villain this series needed. His voice performance is hilarious and his character has some of the best moments in the movie. I still cannot believe they got Will Ferrell to be in a Despicable Me movie but it actually works really well. His interactions with Gru make for some of the funniest scenes and his dramatic personality makes him a fun addition to the franchise.
The animation is as bright and colorful as ever with action sequences that are full of energy. The world of Despicable Me still looks great and the attention to detail in the character designs and locations makes it visually appealing. The pacing keeps things moving quickly so even if some parts of the story feel a little weak it never gets boring.
The humor is a mix of clever jokes and silly gags but some moments feel a bit repetitive. The first two movies had a perfect balance of comedy and heart but this one leans a little too much into the action and randomness rather than focusing on the emotional side of the story. It is still funny but it does not have the same impact as the earlier films.
While Despicable Me 4 does not bring anything new to the series it is still a fun entertaining movie that is worth watching if you are a fan of the franchise. The action is solid the comedy is enjoyable and the addition of Will Ferrell makes it even better. It may not be as strong as the first two movies but it still delivers plenty of laughs and fun moments. I had a good time watching it but it is not a movie I would rush to rewatch.