Never Has Being Despicable Been So Funny
Just so that you don't think I only watch movies with British men, I also wanted to share some thoughts on the new animated flick "Despicable Me". Although, the main character does have an accent... :)
I was unsure what to expect of this film from Illumination Entertainment, as it was its first. We've all been there: the first attempt really doesn't come off as successful as you would hope. The sheet cake I made for a farewell party tonight is a shining example of this...but I digress.
Well, Illumination Entertainment proved me wrong...very wrong. The animation was crisp, there weren't weird "the human body does not contort like that" moments, the humour was brilliant, and the voice acting sharp. They made perfect choices in Steve Carell as Gru, the loveable villain who is trying to steal the moon, Jason Segel as Vector, Gru's geeky arch-nemesis, and Russell Brand as Dr. Nefario, Gru's scientist and inventor side-kick. (Okay, so there was a British man in the movie. You win.)
There was a great balance between the physical comedy of the minions, which drew peals of laughter from the children in the theatre, and the comedy that is life, which drew general hilarity from the adults. Gru sitting at the ballet rehearsal while all of the cougars mothers gawked at him was deliberately meant for those of us older viewers. That joyful mixture of the comedy, the tragedy, and the outright craziness of the villainous plots (ie. stealing the Statue of Liberty...from Vegas) made this film incredibly enjoyable.
Well done, Illumination. I look forward to your next film.
Have a great weekend!
Tanya
~ Tanya Spilchak, Education Coordinator