Despicable Me (2010)

The original film that started the hugely popular franchise, this was actually the first animated feature from Illumination, and is still one of their best.

Super villain Gru (Steve Carell) has a problem. There is another villain getting all the credit for the best crimes and heists, and Gru’s popularity is waning.

When this new villain, who goes by the name of Vector (Jason Segel), steals a pyramid, Gru realises he needs to step up his game, or become obsolete.

Gru (Steve Carell).

With the assistance of long-time collaborator Dr. Nefario (Russell Brand) and his army of little yellow Minions (who are actually super-cute rather than super-evil), he plans the greatest crime he can think of: he plans to steal the moon.

But first, he needs to outsmart the young upstart Vector. Enlisting the help of three young girls - Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Elsie Fisher) - orphans who live in Miss Hattie’s Home for Girls, run by the over-bearing Miss Hattie (Kristen Wiig), he begins his evil plot.

Under the pretence of adopting the three girls, he begins to enact his plan.

Gru's mother (Julie Andrews) with Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Elsie Fisher).

The only problem is, the more time he spends with the three girls, the more he comes to love and appreciate them. And if he isn’t careful, he’ll lose his evil streak altogether.

The screenplay, written by Cinco Paul & Ken Daurio, is very clever, filled with plenty of humour that will appeal not only to children, but also to adults. Animated films that span this audience age range quickly become favourites, and this film was certainly no exception at the time of its release. Even now, nearly ten years later, it still stands up to this scrutiny, and I still love it every time I watch it.

The humour is accentuated well by the performances of the entire voice cast. Steve Carell is fantastic as Gru, bringing real personality to the character. The three young girls are also great, particularly Elsie Fisher as the youngest sister Agnes, who certainly has some of the best lines.

The Minions.

Heitor Pereira’s score, and the original songs by Pharrell Williams, also add their part to the overall experience of the film, highlighting particular moments in the story, but never overpowering the action. In fact, for an animated film, it is scored very sparingly, and in a good way.

Co-directors Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud have made a wonderful film here, with plenty to appeal to audiences of all ages. The many sequels this film has spawned (with still more to come) keep up the same quality, but of course, this original is certainly up there among my favourite animated films of all time.

9 out of 10.

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.