Despicable Me 3 - Despicable Me

Introduction

Despicable Me 3, released in 2017, is the third installment in the beloved Despicable Me franchise, a series of animated comedy films produced by Universal Pictures and Illumination. The film was directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda, with Eric Guillon serving as a co-director and character designer. The production of Despicable Me 3 began in 2013, following the success of Minions in 2015, and was in early writing stages by 2014 under the supervision of Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri ^[1][3].

The film features a star-studded voice cast, including Steve Carell reprising his role as Gru and also voicing his twin brother Dru, Trey Parker as the villainous Balthazar Bratt, Miranda Cosgrove and Kristen Wiig returning as Margo and Lucy Wilde, respectively, and Nev Scharrel replacing Elsie Fisher as Agnes ^[1][3].

Despicable Me 3 debuted at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival on June 14, 2017, and was theatrically released in the United States on June 30, 2017. What sets Despicable Me 3 apart is its unique blend of zany humor, colorful animation, and a narrative that delves deeper into themes of family, identity, and redemption.

Plot Summary

The plot of Despicable Me 3 revolves around Gru, a former supervillain turned secret agent, who is now working for the Anti-Villain League (AVL) alongside his wife Lucy Wilde. The story begins with Gru and Lucy being tasked with capturing Balthazar Bratt, a former child star from the 1980s who has turned to a life of crime after his show was canceled. Bratt’s plan is to steal the world’s largest diamond and exact revenge on Hollywood for ending his career ^[3].

During this mission, Gru discovers he has a long-lost twin brother named Dru, who lives in a remote village in the countryside. Dru, who has always idolized Gru’s villainous past, persuades Gru to join him in one final heist to reclaim the diamond from Bratt. However, Gru’s true intention is to recover the diamond to regain his job at the AVL, which he lost due to his failure to capture Bratt initially ^[2].

As the story unfolds, Bratt disguises himself as Lucy and kidnaps Gru’s children, leading Gru and Dru to put aside their differences and work together to save them. The climax of the film features an epic battle against Bratt’s giant robot in Hollywood, where Gru and Dru utilize their father’s car’s weaponry to combat the threat. Ultimately, they defeat Bratt in a humorous dance-off, and the family reunites with Gru and Lucy returning to their roles at the AVL ^[2][3].

Themes and Symbolism

Despicable Me 3 explores several central themes that add depth to its narrative. One of the primary themes is the significance of family and brotherhood. The relationship between Gru and Dru is a focal point, highlighting the complexities and bonds of sibling relationships. The film shows how family can be both a source of support and conflict, ultimately leading to a stronger and more united family unit ^[3].

Another key theme is self-identity and finding one’s true purpose. Gru’s journey from a supervillain to a secret agent and his reconciliation with his brother reflect his ongoing search for identity and belonging. Dru’s character arc, where he embraces his inner villain to help his brother, also underscores the theme of self-discovery and acceptance ^[2][3].

The film also touches on the theme of redemption and second chances. Gru’s efforts to regain his job at the AVL and his ultimate success in stopping Bratt symbolize the possibility of redemption and the importance of learning from past mistakes.

Cultural Impact

Despicable Me 3 had a significant cultural impact upon its release. The film’s colorful animation, humorous characters, and engaging storyline made it a hit among both children and adults. The movie’s success can be seen in its box office performance and its influence on popular culture.

The character of Balthazar Bratt, with his nostalgic 80s vibe and over-the-top villainy, became a memorable figure in the franchise. The film’s use of 80s music and references added to its appeal, making it a nostalgic treat for many viewers.

The Despicable Me franchise, including Despicable Me 3, has also inspired various adaptations and references in other media. From merchandise to theme park attractions, the characters and world of Despicable Me have become a part of modern pop culture.

Critical Reception

Despicable Me 3 received mixed reviews from critics but was well-received by audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 58% based on 195 professional reviews, with an average rating of 5.7/10. The critical consensus noted that while the film was entertaining, it was somewhat scattershot in its humor ^[1].

On Metacritic, the film scored 49 out of 100 based on 37 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews." However, audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A−" on an A+ to F scale, which, although lower than the first two films, still indicated a positive reception ^[1].

Critics like Alex Welch of IGN and Peter Debruge of Variety noted that while the film had its flaws, it managed to maintain its emotional center and deliver enough humor to keep fans entertained. Alonso Duralde of TheWrap highlighted that despite its flaws, the film would still appeal to its core audience of children and fans of the franchise ^[1].

Legacy

Despicable Me 3 continues to hold a significant place in the Despicable Me franchise and in the broader landscape of animated films. The film’s blend of humor, heart, and action has made it a beloved installment among fans.

The success of Despicable Me 3 paved the way for future projects within the franchise, including the upcoming Despicable Me 4, which continues the story of Gru and his family as they face new challenges.

The film’s influence can also be seen in its impact on animation and family entertainment. Despicable Me 3 has inspired other animated films to balance humor and heart, and its characters have become iconic figures in modern animation.

In conclusion, Despicable Me 3 is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Despicable Me franchise, offering a mix of humor, adventure, and heart that resonates with audiences of all ages.