Despicable Me

It's evil vs. evil with a little more evil thrown in just for fun! I challenge the grouchiest grouch, the curmudgeoniest curmudgeon and the mal-iest of malcontents not to laugh out loud watching Despicable Me. In fact, Ricky, who gave the movie 4 thumbs up, said that it was "a double L-O-L."

First, the voices. Steve Carell, Jason Segel and Russell Brand transformed themselves into their characters. Their voices are barely recognizable. So many animated films capitalize on using an all-star cast with distinct voices to draw audiences into the theater. Mike Myers dons a Scottish accent as Shrek, but the voice is unmistakable. Despicable Me has the all-star cast, but then let them loose. The result is outstanding. Somehow, I don't think that an elderly mad scientist who sounded exactly like Russell Brand would have made the grade.

One of the great things about this story is that there is no "good guy" trying to save the day. It is Gru vs. Vector to see who can pull off the most dastardly deed. Threat of law enforcement never even enters the scene. The "good" in the movie comes in the form of three orphans that Gru adopts as a means to an end, never anticipating the affect the girls will have on his villainy. Of course, for the audience, Gru's transformation was telegraphed from the moment he takes them into his home.

I say evil vs. evil with a little more evil thrown in because of Kristen Wiig's character, Miss Hattie. Miss Hattie runs the Home for Girls in such as way that I couldn't help but think of Miss Hannigan from Little Orphan Annie. The writers apparently recognized this. When Gru was less than forthcoming with love and attention, one of the girls noted "When we got adopted by a bald man, I was thinking this would be more like Annie." After this role, I would embrace a production of Annie starring Ms. Wiig as the dreadful Miss Hannigan.

Gru's little yellow minions steal the show. I just wanted to pluck one off the screen, squeeze him and take him home with me. It's not clear what they are supposed to be, but their zany antics had the audience roaring with laughter. If the shelves in Toys R Us and Walmart aren't already lined with them, they will be soon.

The 3-D effects were excellent. Hang on to your hat for the roller coaster scene! It's well worth the extra money to see it on the big screen. When the end credits start, keep those glasses on. The little yellow guys are about to have some fun with 3-D.

If you are looking for an all-around fun family film this summer, Despicable Me belongs on your "must see" list. I'm giving it 4-1/2 popcorns. With extra butter for good measure.