The mischievous Minions are back in “Despicable Me 4” as Gru) Steve Carell) and the family take on new challenges and identities following the escape of a villain bent on revenge.
When Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell), is apprehended by his school rival Gru while receiving an award from their former school; he vows revenge on Gru thanks to his cockroach-infused body. When Maxime escapes custody; the Anti-Villain League gives Gru and his wife Lucy (Kristen WiiG), new identities along with their children and newly arrived Gru Jr.
Their new life seems to be going ok despite issues with their new careers and awkward attempts to fit in with their stuffy neighbor Perry (Stephen Colbert). Things take a turn when Perry’s daughter Poppy (Joey King) threatens to reveal Gru’s true identity unless he helps her pull off a caper so she can get into the prestigious school for young villains.
At the same time; the majority of the Minions are busy with the AVL as they attempt an experiment to give five of them enhanced powers so they can form an elite task force. Naturally, things go very wrong despite their best efforts and intentions.
The various plots combine as the threat of Maxime arrive and Gru and the family must do what they do best to save the day and help Gru bond with his infant son.
The movie offers plenty of laughs around a fairly simple plot but for a family film, it serves well enough as it does add a bit more to the characters such as Gru having issues bonding with his son and the girls having to adapt to changes in their lives brought on by the unexpected move.
Maxime is a fun new villain and there are some great cameos from past villains which when combined with the antics of the Minions makes for an enjoyable time.
While it does not shake up the formula of the series; it offers what has made the films such a huge success by giving fans what they expect while having some fun along the way.
3.5 stars out of 5
