Silly voices, fart gags and Looney Tunes-style humour means that Despicable Me is incontrovertibly one for the kids.
For a modestly budgeted animated feature from unheralded French studio McGuff, Despicable Me holds its own in a year that's seen animated cinema rival live-action in almost every corner of the market.
Steve Carell plays the film's hook-nosed, scarf-wearing baddie, Gru, a self-professed criminal mastermind who's no longer at the top of his game, and not happy about it. When the Great Pyramid is stolen (stealthily replaced by an inflatable replica) by new crim on the block, Vector (Jason Segel), Gru can't help but feel inadequate with his measly hoard of pilfered sights and monuments.
In order to get back to evil ways, Gru formulates his most audacious plan yet: to shrink and steal the moon. With the help of crackpot inventor Dr. Nefario (Russell Brand giving it his faux RP best), his own personal army of doting 'Minions' – goggle-sporting glorified tic-tacs – and a trio of adorable girl orphans, Gru is determined to reclaim his supervillain crown.
Silly voices, fart gags and Looney Tunes-style humour makes Despicable Me incontrovertibly one for the kids. But there are enough dashes of originality and narrative surprises to keep adults entertained, at least.
