After he is fired from the Anti-Villain League, Gru learns he has
​a twin brother who tries to convince him to be a villain again.

​COMEDY/FAMILY

Despicable Me 3 (2017)

Directed by Pierre Coffin, Kyle Balda, Eric Guillon

Written by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio

Starring Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Trey Parker,
Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier, Nev Scharrel,
Pierre Coffin, Steve Coogan, Julie Andrews, Jenny Slate

Sequel to 2013's Despicable Me 2

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Connor Eyzaguirre

July 5, 2017

8/10

Despicable Me 3 is a belated threequel that never should've worked, but did simply because of how entertaining these characters have become. The voice cast continues to impress, especially Steve Carell in dual performances as Gru and his charmingly annoying twin brother Dru. Much to my surprise, Trey Parker of South Park and Book of Mormon fame delivers a hilarious and memorable turn as kid-friendly villain Balthazar Bratt. Who would've thought an actor known for such raunchy comedy would've even been considered for a role in such a kid-friendly moneymaker franchise? Regardless, he helps round out this unnecessary but entertaining third chapter in a film series that has exploded into mainstream pop culture with a bright yellow vengeance.

On some level, I will always resent this franchise just the slightest bit for bringing the Minions into the forefront of kids entertainment. They're everywhere now, from short films to Tic-Tacs, and this film definitely features a great deal of Minion action. Thankfully, they seemed to have toned it down somewhat. Let's talk for a moment about the hilariously 80's Bratt. He was easily the series's best villain, and his obsession with everything 80's from the Moonwalk to his weaponized synth was hysterical. Thanks to him, Despicable Me 3 ends up having a killer soundtrack as well.

I don't think anybody anticipated this series becoming one of the most well-known kids film franchises in Hollywood. With this delightful third installment, Universal has delivered another solid hit for kids movies that adults can love too. I hope this isn't the last we see of Gru, but if it is, it's a satisfying ending to an enjoyable trilogy.