Big Screen Peter: Despicable Me

Editor’s note: Peter Lewis has agreed to use whatever it is you call his writing style to provide some measure of analysis to those folks who still go to a theater to see a movie. Enjoy.

review by Peter Lewis

Despicable Me is close to animated perfection. While not entirely original in scope or concept, it possesses the coveted trifecta for animated films: it’s compelling, heartwarming, and perhaps most importantly, it’s damned funny.

Although directors Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud have both had past experiences in a variety of capacities, the film was for all intents and purposes, their feature length debut.

It centers around the evil-hearted super villain, Gru (voiced by Steve Carrell).  Middle-aged and alone save for his loyal assistant, Dr. Nefario (voiced by Russell Brand), and his army of yellow, mini-bot minions, Gru is beset by the demons that plague all those who have come to the realization that life is passing them by. His supposed inadequacies are highlighted by his financier (Will Arnett), his nemesis (Jason Segel), and perhaps most dishearteningly, even by his own mother (Julie Andrews).

This reinforced sense of inadequacy pushes him towards grandiose aspirations while his day-to-day life is peppered by constant interactions of questionable morality, everything from popping balloons to freeze-raying fellow coffee customers. Through a series of flashbacks, we are able to see just how Gru was transformed from a precocious youth, full of aspiration and with a sincere desire to win his mother’s love, to the eponymous character of the film’s title, out of touch with society and himself.

However, like the great Cropper/Redding tune, “Mr. Pitiful,” Gru’s story is one of assumed identity. While Redding takes the hang-dog demeanor of a disheartened lover, Gru dons the clothing of a wolf, relishing in his own implacable beastliness. His despicable behavior serves as a flying buttress, keeping the the sense of inadequacy at bay while simultaneously maintaining his fragile ego.

This story arc is far from novel, but it is both true and compelling. Though Gru is a deeply flawed individual, he is not irredeemable. His transformative journey is ironically spurred through a evil plot that draws three orphan girls (voiced by Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier, and Elsie Fisher) into his world. While Dr. Nefario and the minions are cleverly constructed characters, these young girls give the story sturdy legs. They not only make “Despicable Me” emotionally affecting, but humorous as well.

Like most new fathers, Gru is initially at a loss. His life has been dominated by everything but children and his incapabilities are hilariously evident. Yet, these girls slowly become the center of Gru’s world as his steely demeanor gives way to true and honest feelings. In short, their presence erases his need for recognition and accomplishment. They become his target audience.

With its shrink rays, freeze rays, and generally far-fetched explosions, “Despicable Me” is an absurdist, slapstick comedy for all ages. Though the humor is cross-generational and will most certainly appeal to youngsters, it is also a hopeful, transformative story of fatherhood. This broader sense of purpose elevates the film from fun, animated confection to true cinematic delight.

• Despicable Me is playing at the Carmike 14 and the Malco Cinema 12 in Fort Smith (both with Despicable Me 3D), the Malco Van Buren Cinema, the Sequoyah Theatre in Sallisaw and the Poteau Theatre in Poteau. Link here for time and ticket info.

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