Despicable Me 2 (2013)

The whole gang are back for another brilliant animated family comedy from the team at Illumination.

Well, almost the whole gang. The villain(s) are different this time around, so no Jason Segel (who played Victor/Vector in the first instalment).

However, Gru (Steve Carell), Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier), Agnes (Elsie Fisher), Dr. Nefario (Russell Brand) and a host of minions are back, and just as enjoyable this time around.

Of course, things have calmed down since the events of the first film. Gru and the girls have settled into home life. Gru, Dr. Nefario and the minions (rather than trying to hatch the next evil plot) have started their own jam and jelly production business. Yes, you read that right.

Naturally, as with any great film, it isn't long at all before this new equilibrium is disturbed. Gru is summoned to a meeting with the Anti-Villain League by an agent named Lucy (Kristen Wiig), and given the assignment (along with Lucy) of finding and apprehending another villain who is trying to take over the world in his own way.

Gru is at first reluctant, but decides to take on the assignment.

You know what sentence comes next. Of course, I'm not going to go any further in outlining the plot. I would rather allow you to enjoy it for yourself at your earliest convenience.

I will, however, say that this is one of only a few sequels in the history of cinema that not only equals but surpasses the original. I think it helps that the original cast have almost all returned (except for the above-mentioned Jason Segel). The chemistry between the main characters is wonderful, and the screenplay (again by the directorial duo of Paul & Daurio) is flawless. Those studious readers among you may also have noticed that the writer/director team is also the same as the first film, which gives everything a definite cohesion. It doesn't feel for a moment that we are watching something that was released purely for financial reasons (though I'm sure that did play a part; we do live in a capitalist world, after all). Rather, it feels we are merely experiencing a new chapter in the lives of characters we have grown to love and care about.

The three girls, especially Agnes, steal the show once again, while the numerous minion personalities lay the foundations for what will eventually mean a spin-off in the later Minions film. But in my opinion, it is Gru and the three girls that make for the most resounding laughs (and tears). Let's hope the third instalment of the Despicable Me franchise keeps these characters alive and well.

Considering I could not fault this film at all, I have no alternative but to award it an unequivocal 10 out of 10.