Once an evil villain always a evil villain, so we thought from the previous versions of this great story tale legend. This outlaw becomes a hero and now works with the good guys. Struggling with some of the urges from his previous life, he still moves forward to succeed as the greatest one of all time. But things have changed, a new very important person has entered his life and his safety as long as the rest of the family is his newest priority. 
As you remember from the prior installments of the Despicable Me franchise, Felonious Gru (Steve Carell) has a new girlfriend, Lucy Wilde (Kristen Wiig) super-agent, that he falls in love with and has three adopted daughters; the oldest Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), the middle Edith (Dana Gaier), and the youngest Agnes (Madison Polan who replaces Nev Scharrel from the third film). After Gru marries Lucy, they are surprised with a new addition in their family, a new baby boy named Gru Jr. With this crazy new household that also includes some pets, and a large number of Minions, how much more can Gru’s new world fit? But it all seems so perfect that they finally have a complete family and the life they all are looking for.
After Gru goes to his 1985 Class reunion things begin to get threatening when he tangles with his old nemesis, Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell), from Lycée Pas Bon villain school. Things get very messy between the two that vengeance cannot be avoided. Alarmed by this new concern, worries Gru that his family is threatened and the AVL (Anti-Villain League) has to find a way to keep them all safe by placing them into the agent protection program. This new criminal and former nemesis Maime has created an army of roaches (animated) and somehow turned into one himself. Now out to locate Gru they must find a way to stay undercover in their new small-town surroundings.
Continuing to find a way to keep this hit afloat was successfully performed by directors Chris Renaud, and Patrick Delage. This fourth installment appears to have it all, a wonderful storyline, new and interesting criminals, success with keeping the existing characters interesting, and also finding a way to include all of the previous villains. Both Chris and Patrick also incorporated an excellent action-adventure story with fantastic animated special effects that keep this motion picture riveting. This tale is a fun experience for all ages that will keep you laughing, cheering, and hoping our heroes make it safely.
Final Comment: I based my grade on how they were able to develop a successful storyline to keep this franchise going strong and expand on the characters we have grown to love over the years.
Stars 3.75 out of 5
Additional Film Information
Cast (Voices): Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Joey King, Will Ferrell, Miranda Cosgrove, Madison Polan and Dana Gaier.
Directed by: Chris Renaud, and Patrick Delage.
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, and Sci-Fi.
MPAA Rating: Rated PG for action and rude humor.
Running Time: 1 hour and 35 minutes.
Release Date: July 3, 2024
Distributed By: Universal Pictures
Release In: Standard, Dolby Digital, and DTS.
