Despicable Me

While I am talking about cartoons with Tangled, I am going to continue on with Despicable Me (fear not the next one will be a live action, probably either TRON or Morning Glory, stay posted).

I don't think it's any secret that I am a fan of cartoons, part of it is probably my inner child etc, and the other part is probably just wanting to watch a simple, easy to follow movie that doesn't leave unanswered questions (cough* Dogtooth). Despicable Me is the best animated film I have seen in my adult life, simply put, it's frickin hilarious. Furthermore, all of the characters are lovable, even Vector and Miss Hattie. Gru is adorable, even though I buy that he is a legitimate villain with no aspirations of being the hero, he's just so darn nonchalant when freeze-raying those in line at Starbucks, how can you not like someone like that? I also enjoyed how the relationship between Gru and the girls is developed slowly - he doesn't automatically fall for their charms, and even when he does, he still holds back by not giving them a good night kiss after reading them a bedtime story.

I did take issue with how easily he allowed the girls go back to the orphanage, I understand that this part of the story is necessary so that he can go back to them, but he didn't fight for them at all!

I know I haven't really been successful thus far in articulating why exactly this movie is so amazing. Everything just works; the relationships between the characters are how you would want them to be. I love how subtly Gru's mom approves of him as a father at the end, I love how Gru addresses his minions (how's it going Larry?), I love how even the youngest girl Edith is so observant (He's nice. He's scary. Like Santa) and I love how outrageous this movie can be and how well-written it is. If you have not yet been fully convinced to go see this movie, I have looked up some hilarious quotes from it to convince you:

Agnes: Pretty please?
Gru: The physical appearance of the please makes no difference.

Edith: When we got adopted by a bald guy, I thought this'd be more like Annie.

Edith: Are these beds made from bombs?
Gru: Yes, but they are very old and are not likely to explode. But don't toss and turn.

Young Gru: Mom, someday, I'm going to go to the moon.
Gru's Mom: I'm afraid you're too late, son. NASA isn't sending the monkeys anymore.

 

Gru: Your dog has been leaving bombs in my yard.
Fred McDade: Oh you know dogs... they go where they want!
Gru: Not if they're dead.

 

The verdict:

 

I don't care how old you are, this movie will make you laugh and smile.