Despicable Me 4 is the animated film series Despicable Me’s fourth installment and the sixth movie in the franchise including two Minions spinoffs. It is directed by Chris Renaud, co-directed by Patrick Delage, and written by Mike White and Ken
Daurio. The film follows the story of ex-villain Gru, his quirky household, and the beloved Minions. The film premiered in theaters on July 03, 2024, and while it received mixed critical reception, it did very well commercially.
Plot Summary
The film begins with Gru going to his high school reunion at Lycée Pas Bon, where he encounters an old rival, Maxime Le Mal. Maxime is a flamboyant villain who is oddly fascinated with cockroaches. He mutated himself with their DNA using experimental technology. In the course of the high school reunion, Gru thwarts Maxime’s escape plan, resulting in his imprisonment.
Maxime does not remain imprisoned for too long. He breaks prison with the assistance of his accomplice Valentina, and he proceeds to vainfully scheme against Gru and his family. To safeguard them, Silas Ramsbottom, the head of the AVL (Anti-Villain League) moves Gru, his wife Lucy, their daughters Margo, Edith, Agnes, and infant son Gru Jr. to a suburban safe house disguised under new identities. Along with a few minions, five of them transforming into ‘Mega-Minions’ with superpowers as part of a new AVL initiative are brought along.
In their new neighborhood, the family encounters the Prescott family, an affluent family in the area. Their teenage daughter, Poppy, is a sharp-witted, villain-obsessed fibber who uncovers Gru’s true identity in no time. She blackmails Gru into assisting her in executing a heist to retrieve a honey badger school mascot from his old high school. The operation backfires and triggers Maxime towards Gru’s location.
Maxime and Valentina capture him along with transforming the infant into a half human half cockroach hybrid. Aided by Poppy and the Minions, Gru embarks on a rescue mission. Dramatic Onboard Showdown: Maxime’s Flying Fortress Edition follows, where Maxime is bested and Gru Jr is restored.
The movie concludes with a light atmosphere as Gru sings karaoke for fellow prisoners as part of his rehabilitation. In addition, the family is whole once more, and the Minions return to their customary mischief, marking a jolly end to the most recent installment of the franchise.
Main Cast and Characters
Steve Carell reprises his role as Gru and his twin brother Dru. He continues to delight audiences with his voice, and in Turnin, he matches trademark animation with humor.
Kristen Wiig as Lucy Wilde assumes the role of Gru’s wife and partner in anti-villain activities.
Will Ferrell narrates as the inspired main villain cockroach themed, Maxime Le Mal with an elaborate blend of theatrical villainy.
Sofía Vergara portrays Valentina, his stylish deadly partner.
Joey King voices Poppy Prescott, a sharp teenager who idolized Gru the villain.
Chloe Fineman plays Poppy’s possessive mother, Patsy Prescott.
Stephen Colbert voices Poppy’s father Perry Prescott.
Pierre Coffin reprises his voicing role of Minions and their signature giberish.
In this installment, Madison Polan has taken over the role of Agnes from Nev Scharrel.
Tara Strong voices baby Gru Jr.
Production and Development
Work on Despicable Me 4 began in 2022, confirming the return of Steve Carell as Gru. Writing team Mike White and Ken Daurio, who had previously collaborated on earlier parts, rejoined the project to create the script. Illumination Animation, under the production direction of Chris Meledandri, produced the feature.
The creative team put forward the idea of the Mega-Minions—Minions with temporary superhero abilities—that provided fresh humor. Portions of this sequel had previously been pitched for other entries, but this idea remained until now.
Illumination’s trademark look was maintained, with the animation for the film continuing to adhere to the bold and colorful style the company is known for. While character models for Gru and his family were gently aged and new prescott family characters were introduced, fractals like maxime were also reimagined. The action sequences involving the Mega-Minions showcased some of the animation team’s strongest work on the combination of visual gags and superhero parody.
Music and Soundtrack
Heitor Pereira, who worked on all previous films, completed the scoring for this film as well. Williams Pharrell participated again by writing new original songs for this film. It features a mix of pop and orchestral elements along with comedic cues taken from the film and matches its high energy level.
Importantly, the film incorporates one of its signature music-infused moments during the climactic part, where Gru performs a rib-tickling karaoke medley while incarcerated.
Despicable Me 4’s Box Office Reception
Universal Pictures and Illumination were quite pleased with the box office results of Despicable Me 4, as the film grossed approximately $361 million domestically and $610 in the international market, summing up roughly $972 million. The film became one of the highest grossing films of 2024 and achieving tremendous success for the studios. What’s even more astonishing is that the movie had a mere budget of $100 million.
The performance of the box office during the first few days showed just how favorable families and international audiences tend to gravitate towards the franchise. Moreover, it proved that the Minions have established themselves as worldwide iconic figures.
Reviewers from various sources held mixed to positive views towards the movie. The humor, animation selection, and action speed all garnered praise, while the story’s overused storyline and cluttered pacing received criticism. Some critics supported the inclusion and originality around Poppy and the Mega-Minions, while others felt too dare.
As for audiences, they reacted very positively – appreciating and valuing the film “Despicable Me 4”. It earned an “A” CinemaScore and impressive ratings post-screening, particularly from children and families. Parents praised the mixture between slapstick humor and earnest moments such as the bond between Gru and his son, Gru Jr.
Awards and Recognition
“Despicable Me 4” obtained nominations at different award circuits:
Annie Awards: Nominated for outstanding storyboarding and character animation.
Hollywood Music in Media Awards: Nominated for Best Original Song.
Kids’ Choice Awards: Nominated for Best Animated Feature and awarded best voice actor for Steve Carell and Will Ferrell.
Movieguide Awards: Acknowledged for the positive family values presented throughout.
Although “Despicable Me 4” did not receive major awards, it was praised by critics for franchise-cementing animation, voice talent, and family friendly appeal.
Conclusion
The addition of characters like Poppy and Gru Jr. has the film setting itself up for potential future stories in sequels or spinoffs, even if “Despicable Me 4” does not break new ground narratively. The film continues to expand upon the franchise with new characters, dynamics newer to the family, creative comedic situations, and while giving fans all of the vibrant animation, laughs, and touching moments expected.
The Minions continue to be their chaotic and lovable selves, while Gru shows evolution in his character as a father and former villain in the absurd escapades he undertakes. Despicable Me 4 provides a wild yet entertaining journey for both new viewers and loyal followers, while being appropriate for all ages.
Watch free movies on Fmovies