Despicable Me

2010
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Despicable Me

Critics Consensus

Borrowing heavily (and intelligently) from Pixar and Looney Tunes, Despicable Me is a surprisingly thoughtful, family-friendly treat with a few surprises of its own.

81%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 197

82%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 267,149

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Despicable Me Photos

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Movie Info

A mysterious criminal mastermind has stolen one of the pyramids in Egypt, sparking a fit of jealous envy in evil genius Gru (Steve Carell), who hasn't managed to make headlines since he and his minions swiped the Times Square JumboTron years back. Ever since Gru was a little boy, he dreamed of going to the moon. Now, if Gru can just build a rocket and get his hands on a powerful shrink-ray, he can cement his reputation as the greatest thief who ever lived by stealing the Earth's satellite right out of the sky. But immediately after Gru heists the shrink-ray, the cunning super-nerd Vector (Jason Segel) swoops in and snatches it right out of his hands. Now, in order to claim the moon, Gru must first reacquire the weapon from Vector. Armed with the knowledge that his nemesis has a mean sweet tooth, Gru adopts cookie-selling orphans Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Agnes (Elsie Fisher), and Edith (Dana Gaier) and commissions a new line of cookie robots from the evil Dr. Nefario (Russell Brand), his personal weapons specialist. But as Gru and his diminutive yellow minions prepare to carry out the biggest heist in history, something strange happens. Gru discovers that the three little girls who have come into his life are much more than simple pawns. They actually seem to care about Gru, and it turns out the scheming evildoer makes a pretty good father. When Gru realizes that his upcoming moon mission clashes with a ballet performance by the girls, he must decide what's more important -- being a present parent or cementing his nefarious reputation once and for all. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Cast

Steve Carell
as Gru
Jason Segel
as Vector
Russell Brand
as Dr. Nefario
Julie Andrews
as Gru's Mom
Will Arnett
as Mr. Perkins
Kristen Wiig
as Miss Hattie
Miranda Cosgrove
as Margo
Dana Gaier
as Edith
Elsie Fisher
as Agnes
Pierre Coffin
as Tim/Bob/Mark/Phil/Stuart the Minions
Chris Renaud
as Dave the Minion
Jemaine Clement
as Jerry the Minion
Jack McBrayer
as Carnival Barker/Tourist Dad
Danny McBride (IV)
as Fred McDade
Mindy Kaling
as Tourist Mom
Rob Huebel
as Anchorman
Ken Daurio
as Egyptian Guard
Ken Jeong
as Talk Show Host
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Critic Reviews for Despicable Me

All Critics (197) | Top Critics (40)

  • It is a perfectly agreeable family entertainment, but not exactly original and nowhere near Pixar's great creations.

    Oct 14, 2010 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

    Peter Bradshaw

    Guardian
    Top Critic

  • There are enough dashes of originality and narrative surprises to keep adults entertained, at least.

    Oct 14, 2010 | Rating: 3/5

    Adam Woodward

    Little White Lies
    Top Critic

  • One of the year's most likeable family entertainments.

    Oct 13, 2010 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

    Tom Huddleston

    Time Out
    Top Critic

  • It's an engaging movie that feels to be aiming for -- and happily gestures towards -- the bright inventiveness of the Pixar studios.

    Sep 9, 2010 | Rating: 3.5/5

    Philippa Hawker

    The Age (Australia)
    Top Critic

  • This dark family comedy with its steal-the-moon premise is hilariously over-the-top, yet understandable from a child's perspective.

    Jul 15, 2010 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…

    Thelma Adams

    Us Weekly
    Top Critic

  • Despicable Me is darned cute. I know cute isn't to the lofty level of "message storytelling" but it can be entertaining to watch when done correctly.

    Jul 9, 2010 | Rating: A- | Full Review…

    Laremy Legel

    Film.com
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (197)

Audience Reviews for Despicable Me

  • Mar 09, 2016
    Despicable Me is a lot of fun and the storytelling is surprisingly very well handled! A great film to watch with the family!
    Mr N Super Reviewer
  • Aug 30, 2015
    Although the characters are all kinda annoying, the little girls are cute and ground what is otherwise daft Warner Brothers style violent Americana. What really makes this animation though is a really punchy soundtrack that sticks in your head.
    Ross C Super Reviewer
  • Sep 11, 2014
    Pretty funny with spotty pacing. Actually something of a relief to see an animated movie that doesn't feel the need to fill every single frame with frantic action. Gru and his aged scientist inventor are easily the best characters, while arch-rival Vector and the trio of orphans (using the unimaginatively bland off-the-rack 3-pack of the smart one, the rebellious one, and the cute one) respectively strain for chuckles and manipulate sympathies. Kids will love the yellow minions.
    Doctor S Super Reviewer
  • Jun 09, 2014
    Animated features are always a treat to watch, especially after there have been several memorable films in the genre. Despicable Me is a superb film that is beautifully animated and boasts some standout talent that voices the characters. The result is a highly entertaining movie that is fun from start to finish. Add to that it has a very good story, and good jokes, and you have a worthwhile film that is well worth your time. I really enjoy animated features, and Despicable Me is yet another solid genre film, well worth seeing. What surprised me as well was that this film wasn't made by Pixar and the filmmakers were able to craft something just as good as many of Pixar's films. With plenty of comedic moments, great animation, and phenomenal voice work, Despicable Me is a superb animated feature that is fun for anyone of all ages. The film has plenty of charm as well, and with that, it's where it has most of its strength. The film also has a simple, yet effective story, and I've always said they make for far better movies because they don't overcomplicate things. Despicable Me is a film that uses simple storytelling with great on-screen gags to make the film what it is, and in turn, this is a superb animated film that ranks among the finest films in this genre. This is highly entertaining from start to finish, and like I said, it's a film that will appeal to all age groups and it's a memorable affair from start to finish that is original, very funny and well made. In terms of animated films, this is a film that exceeds expectations and it's one that has enough momentum to keep you entertained from start to finish.
    Alex r Super Reviewer
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