Despicable Me 4 (2024) 😊

Despicable Me 4 is… serviceable, but no swan song. It delivers some laughs and heartwarming moments, but it doesn’t quite capture the magic of its predecessors.

The highlights? As always, the Minions get the usual number of laughs with their chaotic antics. Add to that Gru’s evolving role as a father—especially with his baby son, Gru Jr.—and there are some genuinely sweet and funny moments. Watching Gru navigate the challenges of parenting a toddler while balancing his not-so-normal lifestyle brings some great laughs and relatable moments. The dynamic between Gru and Gru Jr. leads to some solid scenes, like Gru’s over-the-top attempts to keep his son safe, which land well amid the usual mayhem.

The film also introduces some fresh faces, like the villain Maxime Le Mal (voiced by Will Ferrell), who brings a unique flair to the story with his over-the-top personality and flamboyant evil schemes. His scenes are fun and packed with visual gags, but he doesn’t quite reach the iconic status of previous villains like Balthazar Bratt or Vector.

Where things fall short… Some returning characters from earlier films, like Lucy and Dru, feel more like obligatory cameos rather than essential parts of the story. Their roles don’t add much to the plot, and their interactions with Gru lack the charm and natural chemistry we’ve seen before. It feels as though they were included just to tick a box, rather than to meaningfully move the story forward.

The story itself follows the familiar formula—Gru facing off against a villain while juggling his chaotic personal life—but without much new to offer. The film leans heavily on nostalgia and slapstick humor, which works in places but doesn’t provide the same fresh energy that earlier installments had.

Final thoughts? If you’re a longtime fan of the series, you’ll still find plenty to enjoy—especially if you’re in it for the Minions’ antics and Gru’s parenting struggles. But if you’re hoping for a new twist or a fresh take on the franchise, this installment might feel a bit too familiar. It’s a fun ride, but it doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessors.

See all movie info at TMDB