#REVIEW: “DESPICABLE ME 3”

Review by Jonathan Godfrey for Mr. Will Wong

Illumination Entertainment celebrates their tenth year in animation with the release of Despicable Me 3. Eric Guillon, the company’s illustrious character designer, helms D3. It’s his first Feature Film as a Director, and he is helped in his efforts by veteran Kyle Balda (Minions, The Lorax, etc.). Eric’s touch is beloved by all, as Despicable Me is a world crafted largely by his unique talents. These talents were put to the test yet again as he was tasked to design Gru’s twin brother, Dru. Subtly different, this fraternal character with luscious locks is the yin to Gru’s yang in both appearance and vocals.

Steve Carrell returns as the voice of Gru… and now Dru too. The former meets the latter after the Film’s new antagonist, Balthazar Bratt, bests Gru by stealing the world’s largest diamond. Voiced by Trey Parker, Bratt proves himself to be the series best villain to date. He’s a disgruntled child star who refuses to let go of both the 80s and his former fame. But don’t let his slick mullet and shoulder pads fool you, Bratt is a formidable foe that puts both Gru and Lucy’s careers in jeopardy. Furthermore, with the Minions in trouble with the law, Gru & Co. are left to fend for themselves.

Enter Dru. Eager to be like his long lost brother, Dru reaches out to Gru to gain insight into how to be a great villain. Gru, having recently reformed for Lucy and the girls, finds himself in quite the predicament. Meanwhile, Lucy (Kirsten Wiig) is a precarious position of her own, as she seeks to find her footing as a mother.

It’s a fast paced Story that features several hilarious vignettes from both the trio of girls and the countless Minions. It’s also the most aesthetically beautiful entry to date. Illumination Entertainment continues to flex their animation muscles by further improving their work with lighting, texture, and depth. Furthermore they use this prowess to poke at a mouse-eared franchise or two. They also use the Film’s retro Soundtrack to inspire a dance move or two. Its rhythms are sure to connect millennial parents with their growing children. Helping make Despicable Me 3 worthy of a family outing, and fit for celebrating the end of the school year together.

Universal Pictures Canada release DESPICABLE ME 3 Friday, June 30, 2017.