“Despicable Me 3,” released in 2017, continues the adventures of Gru, the former supervillain turned secret agent and family man, along with his mischievous Minions, and introduces new characters and plotlines that help to expand the world of the franchise. Directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda, with Eric Guillon co-directing, the third installment of the “Despicable Me” series was met with significant commercial success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide. However, while the film retains much of the charm and humor that made the original film so popular, it received mixed critical responses. Some praised its fast-paced action and humor, while others critiqued its reliance on formulaic storytelling and an overabundance of subplots.
The story of “Despicable Me 3” revolves around Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) and his discovery of a long-lost twin brother, Dru (also voiced by Steve Carell). Gru, having left his villainous ways behind, is now a devoted father to his three adopted daughters and a committed agent working for the Anti-Villain League (AVL) alongside his wife, Lucy Wilde (voiced by Kristen Wiig). However, early in the film, Gru and Lucy are fired from the AVL after failing to capture the latest villain, Balthazar Bratt (voiced by Trey Parker). Bratt is a former child star from the 1980s whose TV show was canceled, and he has since become obsessed with reliving his glory days by terrorizing the world with a variety of ’80s-inspired gadgets and schemes.
After losing their jobs, Gru and Lucy face an existential crisis, with Gru especially grappling with his loss of purpose. However, things take a turn when Gru receives an invitation to meet his twin brother, Dru, who lives in a lavish mansion in a fictional European country. Dru is everything Gru is not—rich, flamboyant, and eager to embrace the family tradition of villainy. Despite his initial reluctance, Gru is tempted to return to his villainous roots, particularly when Dru reveals his desire for them to pull off a grand heist together. The dynamic between Gru and Dru forms the heart of the film’s narrative, as Gru is torn between his current life as a father and hero and the lure of his past as a supervillain.
One of the film’s key strengths is its voice cast, particularly Steve Carell’s dual performance as Gru and Dru. Carell brings a distinct energy to both characters, with Gru’s gruff, no-nonsense demeanor contrasting sharply with Dru’s excitable and over-the-top personality. Their interactions provide much of the film’s humor, with Gru often finding himself exasperated by his brother’s antics. The film also gives more screen time to Lucy, who struggles to connect with Gru’s daughters as their new stepmother. Kristen Wiig infuses Lucy with a quirky yet sincere charm, and her attempts to bond with the girls add a layer of warmth to the story.
However, the film’s overreliance on subplots is one of its main weaknesses. In addition to the primary storyline involving Gru and Dru, there is a subplot involving the Minions, who, frustrated by Gru’s decision to stay on the straight and narrow, go on strike and leave him to pursue their own villainous ambitions. The Minions’ misadventures eventually lead to them being imprisoned, where they cause chaos before staging a grand jailbreak. While the Minions have been a fan-favorite aspect of the series since the beginning, their subplot in “Despicable Me 3” feels disconnected from the main story and more like a series of comedic skits designed to appeal to younger viewers.
Another subplot follows the eldest of Gru’s daughters, Margo (voiced by Miranda Cosgrove), as she accidentally becomes engaged to a local boy during their visit to Dru’s country. This subplot, while humorous in its absurdity, feels underdeveloped and tacked on, offering little in the way of character growth or emotional depth. Similarly, Balthazar Bratt, while entertaining as a flamboyant, ’80s-obsessed villain, ultimately feels more like a caricature than a fully realized antagonist. His motivations are thin, and his character arc lacks the complexity of previous villains in the series, such as Vector from the first film.
Despite these narrative shortcomings, “Despicable Me 3” succeeds in delivering the humor and visual spectacle that fans have come to expect from the franchise. The animation is vibrant and energetic, with colorful set pieces and action sequences that are well-choreographed and fun to watch. The film’s retro soundtrack, featuring hits from the ’80s such as Michael Jackson’s “Bad” and Madonna’s “Into the Groove,” adds to the film’s nostalgic appeal, especially for older viewers who may appreciate the cultural references.
In terms of its themes, “Despicable Me 3” touches on familiar territory for the series, particularly the importance of family and the struggle between good and evil. Gru’s internal conflict—whether to embrace his villainous past or continue on his path as a hero—mirrors his journey in the first film, where he learned to prioritize his role as a father over his desire for world domination. In this installment, the introduction of Dru serves as a catalyst for Gru to reflect on his identity and what truly matters to him. The film ultimately reinforces the idea that family, not fame or fortune, is the most important thing in life.
Lucy’s subplot, while not as central to the story, also reinforces the theme of family. As she tries to bond with Gru’s daughters, Lucy worries about being accepted as their stepmother, especially since she was not part of their lives from the beginning. Her journey to earn their trust and love is a small but sweet arc that adds emotional depth to the film.
On the other hand, the film’s humor, while entertaining, sometimes relies too heavily on slapstick and sight gags, particularly in the Minion sequences. While younger audiences are likely to enjoy the Minions’ antics, older viewers may find these scenes repetitive and lacking in substance. Additionally, the film’s pacing is uneven at times, with the narrative jumping between the various subplots in a way that can feel disjointed.
One of the most noticeable aspects of “Despicable Me 3” is its visual style. The film’s animation is polished and dynamic, with the creative team at Illumination Entertainment continuing to push the boundaries of what can be achieved with computer-generated animation. The design of Balthazar Bratt’s gadgets, in particular, stands out for its creativity, with his use of bubblegum and keytars as weapons adding a playful touch to the action sequences. The fictional European setting where Dru lives is also beautifully rendered, with lush landscapes and ornate architecture that contrast with the more sterile, modern environments of Gru’s world.
Despite its shortcomings, “Despicable Me 3” manages to capture the heart and humor that made the original film such a success. Its focus on family dynamics, particularly the relationship between Gru and Dru, adds a layer of emotional resonance to the film, even if some of the subplots feel unnecessary. The film’s reliance on nostalgia, both in its villain and its soundtrack, helps to broaden its appeal to both younger and older audiences, though this may also limit its long-term relevance.
Commercially, “Despicable Me 3” was a massive success, continuing the trend of the franchise’s global dominance. The film’s financial achievements are a testament to its broad appeal, particularly among families and children, who have become the series’ core audience. However, critically, the film did not fare as well as its predecessors, with many reviewers noting that the series was beginning to show signs of fatigue. While still entertaining, “Despicable Me 3” lacks the freshness and originality that made the first film stand out, and its overreliance on formulaic storytelling and familiar tropes suggests that the franchise may be running out of steam.
Ultimately, “Despicable Me 3” is an enjoyable, if somewhat uneven, addition to the series. It delivers plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments, but its narrative flaws and reliance on subplots prevent it from reaching the same heights as the original film. Fans of the series are likely to appreciate the continuation of Gru’s story and the introduction of new characters like Dru, while younger viewers will undoubtedly be entertained by the film’s fast-paced action and Minion-filled hijinks. However, for those hoping for a more substantial and innovative entry in the franchise, “Despicable Me 3” may fall short of expectations.
Looking at the larger picture, “Despicable Me 3” represents both the strengths and limitations of the modern animated film industry. It is a film designed for mass appeal, with broad humor, colorful visuals, and a lighthearted tone that make it accessible to audiences of all ages. However, its reliance on formula and its lack of narrative depth suggest a growing trend in animated franchises, where the focus is often on maintaining brand recognition and maximizing profits rather than taking creative risks or telling more meaningful stories. In that sense, “Despicable Me 3” is a reflection of the current state of Hollywood animation, where sequels and spin-offs dominate the landscape, and originality often takes a backseat to familiarity.
Despite these concerns, “Despicable Me 3” remains a fun and entertaining film that offers plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments for audiences of all ages. While it may not reach the same heights as the original film, it is still a worthy addition to the franchise and a testament to the enduring appeal of Gru, his family, and, of course, the Minions. For fans of the series, it provides a satisfying continuation of the story, while for newcomers, it offers a light and enjoyable introduction to the world of “Despicable Me.”
