The first Despicable Me was an enjoyable family film with a lot of heart and some good jokes to boot. I find it was a good flick, but nothing too extraordinary, especially considering some of the other animated films that came out that year. But where does the very hyped up sequel stand?

Gru (Steve Carell) is a retired supervillian who currently spends his time as a full-time father. However, agent Lucy Wilde (Kristin Wigg) recruits him in to catch a villain because he knows how one works. While on the mission, he slowly starts to fall for his partner, which may work out, seeing as how the girls need a mom figure.

This film is basically on the same level of quality as its predecessor. It has a relatively simple plot, but works due to it’s colorful animation, wonderful humor, and a charm all it’s own. I did like a lot of the voice acting, and the villian (who I won’t reveal due to spoilers) is infinitely better than Vector in the first film. And yes, those minions are hilarious.

However, both films have the same major problem: they leave so many questions left unanswered. Again, I can’t say much due to spoilers but as the film drags on, it becomes more and more predictable and childish. And it does kinda stink that the Lucy character, who was very interesting and certainly very tough, has to be the typical damsel in distress near the climax.

I can’t say Despicable Me 2 is a bad movie. Most people going into a movie like this know what they’re going to get. You’ll have fun while watching it, and it’s definitely as good as the first film, if not better.

****