The Film
The Minions are back! Sure, Despicable Me 2 has other returning characters, including Gru (voiced by Steve Carell), the girls (Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier and Elsie Fisher), and Dr. Nefario (Russell Brand). However, all of those belly laughs coming out of the audience are really all about the Minions. So rightfully, this $863 million animated sequel is very focused on our funny yellow friends.
Gru is still very much a main character, though. In fact, the film has our formerly evil genius getting called out of evil retirement to join the Anti-Villain League (AVL), where he's paired with agent Lucy Wilde (Kristen Wiig). While he's busy with the undercover operations, Minions are gradually disappearing and being turned into something pretty creepy -- and pretty purple.
This sequel tries to cram in a lot of characters, a love story and tons of gadgetry. Because of the full docket, the film has a lot less of the heartfelt moments (and originality) that made 2010's Despicable Me so special. The end result is a film that doesn't pack quite the same punch as its predecessor. What it does pack in are lots and lots of Minions, which should be enough to keep the kiddies entertained and even a little scared in some spots. Enjoy.
The Picture
Universal has given Despicable Me 2 a separate Blu-ray 3D release, just like its predecessor. However, that version was not available for review (boo!). Many of the scenes do have a pop-out effect, even in 2D. Otherwise, the image offers sharp animation with great detail throughout. You're going to want to reach out and grab those Minions! Colors are just as strong, with really nice black levels. In fact, all of the colors are nice here. Of course, the yellows and purples are the most memorable, since they get the most playtime. Fans shouldn't turn purple over this 1.85:1 image; it's a real winner.
The Sound
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is just as pleasing as the image, with clear dialogue and great ambience. Of course, Despicable Me 2 is filled with action, cool spy gadgets, and Minions, all of which make this track a pretty lively, fun experience.
The Extras
Otherwise, there's one quickie deleted scene, a commentary track with directors Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin, and a series of six super-quick featurettes. The latter is a group of promo pieces that include filmmakers and voice talent Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt and Miranda Cosgrove talking up topics such as "The Minions," the "Evil Minions," the other characters and the gadgets in the film. Each one of these shorts are short, at under 6 minutes each.
Final Thoughts
Universal is certainly giving Pixar and DreamWorks something to worry about with entries like Despicable Me 2. Is this as good as a Toy Story 2? Well no, but I'd take it over a lot of animated sequels. For most adults, it won't warrant the same repeat viewing as its predecessor. However, for the kiddies, more Minions are always appreciated. That plot, the A/V and the extra Mini-Movies make Despicable Me 2 a must-have.
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