OK for kids 6+
Clever, funny, and sweet villain-with-a-heart-of-gold tale.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Despicable Me centers around a supervillain (voiced by Steve Carell) who adopts three girls for the sole purpose of infiltrating his nemesis' house. Yes, you can expect mild insults like "stupid" and "poop" and a lot of action sequences involving high-tech weapons that blast things to smithereens, as well as some scenes that imply injury -- although no one is ever killed or seriously injured. But the most potentially disturbing aspect of the movie is the way that adoption is depicted -- at least at first. Families with adopted children may feel extra-sensitive about the way that orphans, oprhanage directors, and the entire adoption process is handled. It's all played for laughs, yes, but some of it feels a little grim. Still, the movie's overall message is that even someone considered "evil" can have a change of heart, and that's a good lesson, considering that most movies portray good and evil as absolutes. (Note: The movie is being shown in 3-D in some theaters, which could make certain portions more intense for young viewers.)
- Families can talk about the fact that this story centers around a "villain" instead of a "hero." Is that typical? How does Gru change over the course of the movie? What happens that affects his attitude?
- How are orphans depicted in the movie? What about orphanages? Do you think that's how orphans must be treated/feel? Name some other famous orphans in movies and books.
- How does the cartoon action in this movie compare to others you've seen? Does this kind of media violence have more or less impact than what's in live-action movies? Why?
The good stuff
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Educational value: Kids learn that even so-called "evil" people are still human beings who long to be recognized and loved. Gru shows that not all "evil" people are unredeemable.
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Messages: Although ultimately all ends well and Gru and the girls form a happy family and learn that even "bad guys" can have a change of heart, some themes/lines in the movie could be upsetting for families with adopted children. Gru initially adopts the kids (in a very easy manner) for selfish reasons, and then he actually returns them to the orphanage. And Miss Hattie says some intentionally hurtful things to the the girls (like "You're never going to be adopted. You know that, don't you?") and portrays orphanage directors as cold-hearted and unfeeling. She puts the girls in a "Box of Shame" as punishment and forces kids to do manual labor.
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Role models: The girls are strong role models amidst all the villains. They're sweet, helpful, and generous, and they take care of and comfort each other, even when other adults can't step into care-giving roles. Gru, though a villain, changes for the better and ends up with the family bonds he always wanted.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: All of the violence is cartoonish and doesn't feel realistic -- though there are lots of jokes and gags about super weapons and crime, as well as one potentially upsetting scene in which a little girl is put in a "nail box" and a squished juice box briefly implies blood (but no one is hurt). The Minions "communicate" with each other through slapstick moves like punches and shoves. There's a Bank of Evil that bankrolls villains' high-concept crimes -- like stealing the wonders of the world (or, in Gru's case, the moon). Several explosions and gun violence that never quite kills anyone but does injure folks and sends a couple of characters into orbit.
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Sexy stuff: Not an issue
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Language: Mild insults and minor swear words like "suckers," "stupid," "poop," "shoot," "butt," and "loser."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Great movie for the whole family! by MadMex23
Just returned from watching this and my kids who also saw Toy Story 3...LOVED IT! They prefered this movie over Toy Story 3 (which they saw last weekend). My daughter who is 8, loved it, she was bored watching TS3 but was competely entertained. My son who is 4 who is entertained by both but laughed much more watching Despicable Me. The Minions are hilarious, everytime they came on the screen my 14 month old started to laugh. My wife thought that the 3 little girls were cute and sweet and the story/plot was great. If you have kids it's a MUST SEE. If you don't have kids its a MUST SEE!
4
I liked it! by Mooseluver8
It was a little rushed into and unexplained, but it was hilarious and very very cute!
It has many lines that you will be giggling about later with your friends...
"IT'S SO FLUFFY!"
"No no no, not FART gun, DART gun!!"
"Oh! That makes more sense, because I was wondering... under what curcumstances would we use a fart gun..."
It's really funny! I highly reccomend you see it!
4
Very funny movie. by girlsoccer6
This was such a cute and funny movie. I teared up at some parts and was laughing my head off at others. A must see for everyone.
4
Totally funny but very intense for small children by jarlucas
I was worried when I took my 6 year old granddaughter to see this film as it was rated PG and the beginning of it still had me worried when the girls home for children talked about the "box of shame.". But, after about the 1st 20 minutes, I knew she would see this movie for the story line that was intended. By the end of the movie, she truly understood that the "mean" Gru really loved the orphan girls, and she was really excited about that. Great move, but some discussion needs to to take place for young children to understand the true intent.
4
Cute! by Lauren1618
This movie was really cute. Im 20 years old and i thought it was adorable. I went with my Boyfriend who was laughing constantly throughout the movie. If your bored and want to go see a movie to make you laugh, I'd go and see this. It also had a good story line.
5
Despicable Me by dulcenigos
This is one of the summer's best movie's. Everyone who went loved it. My 2 year old daughter didn't move an inch while watching the movie. It was amazing!!! If you have children you have to go.
5
Five Word Review by daddy david
a very clever sweet movie
5
despicable me by grahamcracker1
took 5 granddaughters and friends, ages 10 - 12. and the mothers. win win for me.they loved it, loved me for taking them. very cute,we ALL loved the music,we laughed and sang all the way home. family friendly. need more kid and parent movies like this we can see together.
4
Hilarious by patch8374
We went with our two children ages 3.5 and 1.5. They both loved it as did we. It was hilarious. Definitely one we will purchase!
5
A Movie For Everyone by LinW0724
This animated movie, although it was meant for kids, was also enjoyable as an adult. It keeps it funny without the use of crude or rude humor. Gru and his Minions are the most memorable characters out of any movie.