Despicable Me

Story

Despicable Me traces the exploits of self-proclaimed villain Gru (Steve Carell), whose life goal is to be internationally recognised as a master criminal. To achieve this goal, Gru has enlisted the help of sinister inventor Dr Nefario (Russell Brand) and hundreds of cute yellow creatures called ‘minions’. During flashbacks to Gru’s youth, it becomes clear that his motivation comes from the lack of acknowledgement and love he received as a child.

Gru learns that geeky rival villain Vector (Jason Segal) has successfully stolen one of the Giza pyramids. So Gru becomes convinced that he must do something of even greater magnitude to gain the notoriety he craves. He therefore plans to steal Vector’s ‘shrinking laser’ gun to shrink and steal the moon. But gaining access to Vector’s heavily armed fortress proves almost impossible.

Gru comes across three orphan children (Margo, Agnes and Edith, played by Miranda Cosgrove, Elsie Fisher and Dana Gaier). He thinks they might be able to help him become a master criminal. Initially, his relationship with the girls is very stilted. But as time passes, he comes to appreciate the fullness they bring to his life. When it appears that success is imminent, Gru realises he must make a choice that might change all their lives.

Themes

Childhood emotional trauma; separation from a parent

Violence

This movie contains a great deal of violence. For example:

A television newscast shows soldiers firing rifles at unseen human targets.
An unidentified minion hits another on the head with a hammer.
A minion is fired from a cannon and crashes through a wooden stage floor.
Minions punch and knock each other to the ground.
One minion hits another minion back and forth with a table-tennis paddle.
Bank manager Mr Perkins yells and threatens Gru. He also threatens Vector.
Gru pulls a laser gun to jump the queue in a fast-food restaurant.
Gru shoots and injures Vector with a laser gun.
Vector shoots a laser gun at Gru.
Gru and Vector fire bombs at each other.
Gru is punched and fired on by lasers and bombs as he tries to infiltrate Vector’s fortress.
Vector files missiles at Gru.
Adoption agency administrator Miss Hattie hits Gru around the head with a book.

Sexual references

None of concern

Alcohol, drugs and other substances

This movie contains some use of substances. For example, a minion appears to become stoned after drinking ‘anti-gravity’ formula. He floats to the ceiling.

Nudity and sexual activity

There are no direct depictions of nudity or sexual activity in this movie. But there are some mildly crude, revealing or suggestive scenes. For example:

Gru appears in his underpants.
We see a child’s drawing of Gru on the toilet.
A minion photocopies his bare bottom, and we see the image.
Gru grabs his bottom while dancing in a suggestive way.
Vector slaps his bottom while dancing in a suggestive way.

Product placement

None of concern

Coarse language

This movie contains some mildly coarse and threatening language.

Ideas to discuss with your children

Despicable Me is an entertaining children’s comedy. It also has enough layers to appeal to audiences of all ages. The animation is skilfully conceived and constructed. The characters are given depth by the cast. But some parents might be concerned about the amount of violence in the movie, and the failure to depict realistic consequences of violence.

Values in this movie that you could reinforce with your children include loyalty, determination and unselfishness.

This movie could also give you the chance to talk with your children about real-life issues such as:

the results of self-centred actions, in contrast to those showing consideration and care for others
the meaning of ‘success’
the real consequences of violence and alternative, non-violent options for resolving problems.