Despicable Me

(G) * * *

Loveable Lout!

By ROBERT WALDMAN

Losers come in all shapes and sizes. Universal Studios seems to have latched onto a winner with Despicable Me, the latest comedy causing chaos at Tinseltown (on Pender, free parking, Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Famous Players Silver City cites around B.C.

Yet another movie joins the 3-D bandwagon and once again we’re blessed with an animated treat. Smart writing and a winning way shines bright as we “track’ the weird and wonderful life of a guy named Gru. Hot comic Steve Carell (Get Smart) lets loose with a Russian accent and a devilish plan as a mad scientist of sorts with a criminal bent out to take over the world. Our Gru thinks he’s tough and has been responsible for one of the biggest crimes of the century. New targets are hard to come by and he faces constant challenges by pretenders to the throne. Little does Gru know that a trio of little ladies may put a dent in that outer nasty streak.

Shot for fun and full of outlandish characters Despicable Me is a wondrous affair that little kids in particular will fall in love with. So silly are the scenes, the contraptions and a group of pint-sized elves with squeaky voices that you’re easily pulled in. Audiences will get pulled in by the weirdness of the whole experience and there’s a telling moral added in just for good measure. Our big question is whether a tough guy can show a more human side and this is the true thrust of Despicable Me.

Played completely for laughs the 3-D effects here aren’t really that evident or necessary. Here it’s the charming writing and seeing Gru grow as a person and change over time that’s the real treasure. A series of big name comics including Russell Brand,Jason Segel and Julie Andrews lend their voice talent to these uproarious characters. 95 minutes sails by with no bumps in the road thanks to the free-styling level headed ways of joint directors Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud. Insertion of some pop tune classics further ramps up the levity of the whole experience. Vibrant colours, great comical scenes and an ability to make the ordinary seem extraordinary turns Despicable Me into a fun fest for all ages.

Despicable Me again shows the multifaceted talents of Steve Carell who proves he can fire up audiences in any language.

Read more reviews by Robert at www.moviereviewssite.com