Jams and jellies have replaced death rays and serums. A plot to steal the moon has given way to planning his youngest child’s birthday party. Devious disguises become the gown and tiara of a fairy princess. In Despicable Me 2, Gru has become the true doting father, who says saccharine things to his daughters like, “Never get older.”
An entertaining and enjoyable sequel, Despicable Me 2 goes deeper than 3D effects and silly capers. There’s a loneliness to Gru. His plea that his child not age is more indicative of his fear that they will leave the house that’s become a home, and he will be alone once more. To spell this, a nosy neighbor constantly tries to set Gru up with dates that would rival the trashiest reality television stars. But he’s not interested. In part because of their personality, but also because of his absence of self-esteem. As we’re shown briefly through flashback, Gru was the coodie-ridden child when he was younger. His hunched back bespoke an Igor quality. His woodpecker nose was hardly an invitation to an intimate kiss.
In effect, Despicable Me 2 is most like an animated version of The 40-Year Old Virgin, wherein loneliness becomes the normal and isolation is most comforting.
With the addition of children, Gru becomes less isolated, but with this dissipating isolation comes the fear that he will once again be alone. This significance is ripe from the birthday party in the beginning, and when the fairy princess fails to arrive and Gru must stand in for her, the birthday girl Agnes (Elsie Fisher) is grateful, but admits to Gru in a whisper that “She knows it’s” him, she’s only playing along for the sake of the other children. Despite her ostensible youth, she is becoming an adult right before his eyes. As is his eldest adoptee Margo (Miranda Cosgrove) whose interest in a young boy occupies all of her free time. As any father of a teenage daughter would be, Gru is hesitant and tries most everything to eliminate the youth and stave off his life as a perpetual bachelor.
And with the aging of his adopted children comes a feeling of ennui. The jam and jelly business – while legitimate – is not as exciting as villainy. His partner, Dr. Nefario has been afflicted with the same malady and has taken a job offer elsewhere. He leaves – very slowly – with no hard feelings, and Gru is, in effect, being forced as far away from his former life as possible.
Luckily, the AVL (Anti Villain League), led by Silas Lambsbottom, kidnaps (er, recruits?) Gru and offers him an opportunity to add some excitement to his life by seeking out the villainous wretch who stole an entire laboratory from the South Pole. The laboratory is not nearly as tempting at the serum held within, a serum that transforms any life form into a violent, hairy, uncontrollable creature reminiscent of the Mr. Hyde monster that Bugs Bunny becomes in a classic cartoon.
In addition to potentially saving the world, this adventure pairs Gru with Lucy (Kristen Wiig), a young , attractive agent who, like Gru is looking for something more. As she is spunky and inundated with work, she can bring adventure to Gru’s life, and his recent desire for social interactions can – presumably – tone her down a bit. (Both appropriate and ironic that Wiig was cast in this role since she seems to be rather ubiquitous, no?)
The narrative progresses as most animated movies will, but there is a palpable enjoyment throughout. In both this film and its predecessor, the characters have been rounded out. Even the minions have evolved. In the first film, their existence often felt Ewokian – only there for merchandizing. In the second, they are more integral to the plot and more relevant as characters. When Gru speaks, they all have names. They are only minions after being abducted by the much-sought-after villain.
Much like Gru and his children, their identities and personas are often changing. They feel real, and this most recent animated film has genuine heart.
