Introduction
You’ve probably heard of ‘Despicable Me’, the animated movie franchise featuring the lovable villain Gru, his cute yellow minions, and his three adopted daughters. But how many ‘Despicable Me’ movies are there, and what is the franchise all about? In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to the ‘Despicable Me’ franchise, exploring its impact and legacy in the world of animation and popular culture. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, sit back and enjoy the ride!
Overview of Each ‘Despicable Me’ Movie
The ‘Despicable Me’ franchise officially began in 2010 with the release of the first movie, simply titled ‘Despicable Me’. Directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud, the movie introduces us to Gru, a supervillain who plans to steal the moon but finds himself having to take care of three girls who enter his life unexpectedly. The movie features the voice talents of Steve Carell as Gru, Jason Segel as Vector (Gru’s nemesis), and Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier, and Elsie Fisher as the three girls. ‘Despicable Me’ was a critical and commercial success, earning $543 million at the global box office and spawning two sequels, several spin-offs, and tons of merchandise.
The second ‘Despicable Me’ movie, ‘Despicable Me 2’, was released in 2013, once again directed by Coffin and Renaud. This time, Gru is recruited by the Anti-Villain League (AVL) to help stop a powerful new super-villain who is threatening the world. The movie introduces new characters such as Lucy (voiced by Kristen Wiig), Gru’s partner and love interest, and Eduardo (voiced by Benjamin Bratt), a restaurateur who may or may not be involved in the plot. ‘Despicable Me 2’ was an even bigger hit than the first movie, grossing over $970 million worldwide and becoming the second-highest-grossing animated movie of all time behind ‘Frozen’.
The third and final ‘Despicable Me’ movie (so far), ‘Despicable Me 3’, was released in 2017 and directed by Coffin and Kyle Balda. This time, Gru has to face off against Balthazar Bratt (voiced by Trey Parker), a former child star turned supervillain who has a personal vendetta against him. Meanwhile, Gru also discovers that he has a long-lost twin brother named Dru (also voiced by Carell), who offers him the chance to return to a life of villainy. The movie adds more depth to Gru’s character and relationships, while also introducing new minions and classic ’80s music. However, it was the least successful ‘Despicable Me’ movie in terms of critical acclaim and box office revenue, earning $1.034 billion worldwide.
Comparison of ‘Despicable Me’ Movies
So, how do the ‘Despicable Me’ movies stack up against each other? Let’s take a closer look at some key metrics:
– Critical acclaim: According to Rotten Tomatoes, ‘Despicable Me’ has a score of 81%, ‘Despicable Me 2’ has 74%, and ‘Despicable Me 3’ has 58%. Clearly, the general consensus is that the first movie is the best, followed by the second one, and then the third one. However, it’s important to note that these scores are still relatively high compared to other animated movies.
– Box office success: As mentioned earlier, ‘Despicable Me’ earned $543 million, ‘Despicable Me 2’ earned $970 million, and ‘Despicable Me 3’ earned $1.034 billion. It’s evident that the franchise has only gotten more popular and profitable over time, with each movie surpassing the previous one in terms of revenue.
– Popularity: It’s hard to measure popularity objectively, but some indicators include merchandise sales, social media engagement, and overall cultural impact. In this regard, ‘Despicable Me’ reigns supreme, as it was the movie that started it all and introduced us to the beloved characters of Gru and the minions. That being said, the sequels have maintained a consistent level of charm and humor, ensuring that fans continue to follow the adventures of their favorite characters.
Analysis of ‘Despicable Me’ Franchise
So, what explains the success and longevity of the ‘Despicable Me’ franchise beyond just the movies? For starters, there are the spin-offs, such as ‘Minions’ (2015) and ‘Minions: The Rise of Gru’ (2022). These movies focus exclusively on the minions, the yellow creatures that serve as Gru’s henchmen and steal the show with their zany antics and gibberish language. Although some critics argue that the minions are overexposed and gimmicky, their appeal cannot be denied, as they have become a cultural phenomenon in their own right, spawning countless memes, toys, and even a theme park attraction.
Moreover, there is the merchandise, which includes everything from plush toys to clothing to video games. The ‘Despicable Me’ franchise has earned billions of dollars in merchandise sales alone, proving that its characters are beloved by people of all ages and backgrounds. Of course, the success of the merchandise is directly linked to the movies themselves, which provide the original material and emotional attachment that fans seek to replicate in their own lives.
Lastly, there is the franchise’s impact on popular culture, animation, and children’s entertainment. ‘Despicable Me’ helped pave the way for a new era of 3D computer animation, which has since become the norm in Hollywood and beyond. The franchise also demonstrated that animation can tackle serious topics and emotions while still being entertaining and relatable, as seen in the themes of family, identity, and redemption that run through the movies. And let’s not forget the universal appeal of the minions, who embody a sense of playfulness, humor, and good-natured mischief that transcends language and culture.
Countdown of ‘Despicable Me’ Movies
Now, it’s time to rank the ‘Despicable Me’ movies from best to worst. Keep in mind that this is just one person’s opinion and that others may have different preferences and criteria. With that said, here’s the countdown:
1. ‘Despicable Me’: The original and still the best, in my opinion. It established the basic premise and charm of the franchise, while also delivering a heartfelt story of a man learning to be a father and a better person. Plus, the minions were used sparingly and effectively, providing just the right amount of comic relief.
2. ‘Despicable Me 2’: A worthy sequel that expanded the world and characters of the first movie, while also introducing new twists and villains. The addition of Lucy was a smart move, as she brought out a softer and more romantic side of Gru. The minions had more screen time, but their antics were never too distracting or forced.
3. ‘Despicable Me 3’: While still a solid and enjoyable movie, it felt somewhat formulaic and repetitive compared to the previous ones. The plot felt more convoluted and rushed, with too many subplots and characters vying for attention. That being said, the movie still had its moments of humor and heart, especially in the scenes involving Gru’s twin brother Dru.
Personal Reviews of ‘Despicable Me’ Movies
As someone who grew up loving animation and dreaming of one day working in the field, I have a soft spot for ‘Despicable Me’ and everything it represents. I find the movies to be charming, funny, and heartwarming, with relatable characters and memorable moments. Of course, there are some flaws and inconsistencies, but overall, I think the franchise has done a great job of balancing entertainment and emotion.
My personal favorite of the trilogy is ‘Despicable Me 2’, primarily because of the chemistry between Gru and Lucy. I also appreciate the more overt spy movie elements and the creative use of gadgets and vehicles. However, I recognize that ‘Despicable Me’ is the more original and poignant movie, and that ‘Despicable Me 3’ has its fair share of merits as well.
Societal Context of ‘Despicable Me’ Movies
Finally, it’s worth examining the societal and cultural context surrounding each ‘Despicable Me’ movie, as they reveal a lot about the values and issues of their time. For example, the first movie came out in 2010, during a period of transition and uncertainty in the world. The Great Recession had just ended, but many people still felt anxious and disillusioned about the future. ‘Despicable Me’ provided a much-needed escape and reassurance, reminding viewers that even villains can have a heart and that family can come from unexpected places.
Similarly, ‘Despicable Me 2’ arrived in 2013, at a time when the world was grappling with political polarization, surveillance, and terrorism. By introducing the AVL and the concept of “anti-villainy”, the movie tapped into these fears and aspirations, while also emphasizing the importance of teamwork, trust, and self-discovery. Notably, the movie also featured a subplot about Gru’s youngest daughter Agnes searching for a unicorn, which hinted at the enduring power of imagination and hope.
As for ‘Despicable Me 3’, it premiered in 2017, amidst a climate of political, technological, and social upheaval. The movie reflected this uncertainty by exploring Gru’s identity crisis and his desire to reconnect with his roots and family history. At the same time, the movie also tackled the theme of sibling rivalry and the joys and challenges of parenthood. Overall, ‘Despicable Me 3’ showed that the franchise still had something to say, even as it faced the inevitable fatigue and repetition of a long-running series.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ‘Despicable Me’ franchise has had a remarkable journey over the past decade, evolving from a charming and quirky movie to a massive and ubiquitous cultural icon. While the movies themselves may have their ups and downs in terms of quality and significance, the overall impact and legacy of the franchise cannot be denied. It has provided joy, inspiration, and laughter to millions of people worldwide, while also pushing the boundaries of animation and storytelling. What’s next for Gru and the minions? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: they will continue to be a beloved part of the animation landscape for years to come.
So, whether you’re a fan of ‘Despicable Me’ or just curious about its appeal, we hope this article has provided some useful insights and entertainment.