What is up with these 3-d computer animated movies that are coming out this year doing excellent jobs connecting with the emotions of audience members? First it was DreamWorks, “How to Train Your Dragon” which was released on 5/26/10, then came the near tear jerking Toy Story 3 coming 06/18/10, and finally, Universal Studios’  first computer animated feature, “Despicable Me.” I am sorry Shrek Forever After; you are far from this list. What’s great is that these movies stand alone with or without the 3-d conversion, and that is something very positive.

Despicable Me is about Gru, played majestically by Steve Carell who is a super villain living in the suburbs in a mansion. He also lives with an army of yellow minions who are loyal to him, but always looking to have a good time. Gru is being rivaled by a new young villain, Vector played by Jason Segal who has just stolen the pyramid. After being told that he is too old for the villain game and not wanting   to be outdone, Gru hatches out the ultimate plan to steal the moon. This requires Gru to adopt three orphan girls, Margo, Edith, and Agnes played by Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier, and Elsie Fisher respectively. Gru also must try to seek the approval of his mother played by Julie Andrews. What follows is an adventure of growth and self-exploration, as Gru is left to choose between being a super villain or father.

I can’t say enough positive things about Despicable Me as the storytelling was very compelling. So compelling, the movie theater erupted in applause after it finished. Steve Carrel played Gru with   what seemed to be a German accent. You could not tell whether it was Carell or not. Gru felt like homage to Dr.  Evil and Annie’s Daddy Warbucks. Yes there was great homage to Annie as the three orphans lived with a hag, I mean, Mistress of the local orphanage, Miss Hattie played by Kristen Wiig. The three orphans were also adorable and they each had their own separate identity that contributed to the storytelling.  And of course the minions, small yellow characters dressed in overalls provided comic relief in the movie. They are very loyal to Gru, and I loved the fact that Gru was also able to also see them as part of his family. There were no plot holes in the film leading to a rewarding experience. The animation was also great. Of course I am hoping for a sequel to see what’s next in store for Gru.

Not bad universal studios for your first 3-d animation movie, Not Bad At All. If you have any comments, e-mail me at espevi2003@hotmail.com.

Despicable Me movie grade = B+

Sean V

Here is a list of my top ten movies of 2010 based on the movies that I have seen in the theaters.