Despicable Me 2 (2013)

I went to see this very loveable film with my friends at the cinemas a couple of weeks ago, after seeing the first film I had high expectations of this comedy animation sequel and it definitely lived up to them.  In Despicable Me 2 we see Gru has had a total character change from that of selfish and evil villain to a caring family man who has adopted the three crazy and absolutely fantastic orphans called Margo, Edith and Agnes. So as the film opens up with the scene of Agnes' birthday party and Gru playing fairy godmother (sure to get a laugh) you may ask yourself where this plot is going as everything seems to be perfect and  everyone happy, but as most of us know that state of peacefulness and content never lasts for long. Gru is then recruited by the Anti-Villain League after a laboratory in the Arctic is stolen by a mystery villain, and who better to help than the best ex villain of all who managed to steal the moon in the first film. The quirky AVL agent called Lucy Wilde is the one who recruits him, and at first I was unsure on her character and found her to be over the top but I soon warmed to her and found her to be funny in a peculiar annoying sense.

Gru suspects the supposed to be dead villain El Macho of this crime but his accusation is undermined as  being an overprotective dad as El Macho's son makes a move on his eldest daughter Margo. But with more and more of his minions going missing, the investigation is heating up and it is vital that the AVL find the criminal before the secret plan is carried out to take over the world. Gru is right to be uncertain about El Macho as it turns out to be him that is responsible for all the latest going ons. This is where the true transition kicks in as Gru changes from a villain to hero as he saves Lucy whom he has fell in love with and takes down fellow villain. The humour in this film comes from the witty script and characters that you cannot help but love, I think anyone who goes to see Despicable Me 2 will not come away disappointed and will be fond of the film by the end. The ending leaves you on a cheerful heart warming note as Lucy and Gru get married with Agnes finally getting a mother that she appeared to long for throughout and the minions dressed up and dancing to the YMCA.

The minions still play a huge part within the film and you'll find the tiny uniform clad yellow men have grown in numbers since the first film, they help to keep the plot moving forward and when there are moments that have no main characters in you'll find they are lingering in the seen carrying out little petty acts that provide miniature hilarious moments. I particularly like the range of voices used for the characters as they are diverse, upbeat and entertaining, that suit each person well, I special mention to Steve Carell and Kristen Wigg that do the voices of Gru and Lucy.

Verdict- A film that will plaster a smile on your face no matter how old you are.