More humdrum than despicable this time
“Despicable Me 3,” the latest installment in the juggernaut series about an ex-villain who now chases super-villains, has a lot going for it: cute characters, some clever set pieces and of course, dazzling animation. But this time around, the story appears to have been lost in the shuffle.
Much of the problem can be traced to Gru (Steve Carell), whose character has little room for emotional growth here. He’s a good husband, a good father, a good brother — nothing near despicable. He’s boring, a malady that often befalls franchise characters.
It’s clear that the filmmakers weren’t confident of a main story line, so they have two: a new villain in the form of Balthazar Bratt (Trey Parker), a former child actor out to destroy Hollywood for canceling his TV show “Evil Bratt,” and the appearance of Gru’s long-lost yet very wealthy twin brother, Dru (also voiced by Carell).
Parker’s Bratt is the best thing about the film, and though his obsession with 1980s fashion and music won’t register with the kids, the story perks up when he’s on the screen. When we’re with Gru and his twin or with Gru and his family, things sometimes slow down considerably, and the lack of narrative drive is exposed. Even the Minions, the pintsized troublemakers who have their own movie spinoffs, get short shrift.
Making matters worse, directors Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda include some extraneous subplots that detract from the magic that has made this franchise so successful. Worst among the scenes is a creepy courtship involving Gru’s adopted daughter Margo (Miranda Cosgrove). It’s supposed to be an illustration of how Lucy (Kristen Wiig) is struggling with motherhood, but it backfires. We also get bored with daughter Agnes’ fervent desire to find a unicorn. Most of these moments belonged on the editing room floor.
This is not to say that “Despicable Me 3” is without its inspired turns. A smart opening set piece introduces us to Evil Bratt and his special bubblegum, which expands into giant goo to ensure the success of his maniacal capers. In a nice second-act twist, Evil Bratt makes an unexpected move to put Gru’s family in danger. And the final showdown, in the hills of Hollywood, is an intricate, masterful sequence of animated action.
In the end, though, the movie’s superior craftsmanship can’t overcome its aura of joylessness. It feels like a setup to yet another sequel — which is no doubt on the drawing board — not a film that stands confidently on its own. The younger set may not notice a difference, but many adults certainly will.