Despicable Me 2 BY RAVEN D., KIDS FIRST!

Following on the heels of the highly loved Despicable Me, comes the sequel, Despicable Me 2 which, as our KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Raven D says, “is a very cute sequel and, good news, the minions are in it even more!” “Despicable Me 2″ follows Gru, the girls and those crazy minions on yet another mission of madness. This time Gru is teaming up with the Anti-Villain League to save the world from bad guy El Macho. The Anti-Villain League recruits Gru to help find El Macho since Gru is an ex-villain and knows what goes on behind the mind of a bad guy. But Gru is having a hard time balancing his career and his new full time job as being a dad to Margo, Agnes and Edith. Plus, Gru finds himself falling for his partner in anti-crime, Lucy. Will this lovable hero save the day in time to tuck his girls in for bed?

I think this film is a very cute sequel to “Despicable Me” and good news, the minions are in it even more. The 3D animation is wonderful in this movie and the designs and colors are very fun visually. I can tell the creators of this film paid attention to what audiences enjoyed most out of the first movie and that is what influenced a lot of “Despicable Me 2.” I think all of the voice actors suited their characters perfectly. This film brings back the familiar voices of Miranda Cosgrove, Steve Carell and Russell Brand, while also adding in newer characters such as Lucy voiced by Kristen Wiig, Antonio voiced by Moises Arias and many others.

My favorite character is actually all of the minions. I loved them all so much in the first “Despicable Me” and I think it was a great decision to include them for in the sequel. Their banter is so funny, even though I can’t understand their gibberish, their motions tell the story of what they’re trying to communicate. I think the way they work together and fight is very comical and all of their interactions are very funny. The minions really are the perfect side kicks to Gru since he is so wacky.

My favorite scene would probably be when Gru finds out that Margo is on a date. He freaks out so much and goes running around the mall trying to stop the two of them from being alone. It’s really funny and although it is a bit over exaggerated, it still shows what all fathers go through when their daughters start showing an interest in dating. I also think it’s funny how Margo’s sisters react to her new romantic interests. Edith, being a total tomboy, thinks that it is disgusting for her sister to go on a date with a boy. Agnes on the other hand thinks it’s the cutest thing and immediately starts saying that they are in love, which only worries Gru even more. The entire scene is filled with very funny, memorable dialog and interactions between the main characters and is definitely a scene that stands out for me.

I recommend this film for ages 6+ and anyone who enjoyed “Despicable Me” will absolutely love “Despicable Me 2.” I give this film 4 out of 5 stars. It has the perfect mix of humor for children and adults so it makes for an enjoyable experience for all. So go check out Gru and the girls for more minion madness in “Despicable Me 2!”