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Despicable Me

Despicable Me (2010)

Jul 08, 2010 1h 35m Animation Family Comedy

Villainous Gru lives up to his reputation as a despicable, deplorable and downright unlikable guy when he hatches a plan to steal the moon from the sky. But he has a tough time staying on task after three orphans land in his care.

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Directed by Pierre Coffin

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Pierre Coffin
  • Chris Renaud
Producer
  • Chris Meledandri
  • Janet Healy
  • John Cohen

Reviews

The Movie Mob
9/10

**Despicable Me's mischievous characters enhance and strengthen its heartwarming family-focused story.**

Despicable Me completely took me by surprise! Steve Carrell leads this heartwarmingly delightful, funny film with a fresh premise different from other kid's movies, hilariously lovable characters, and superb execution. Being one of my three-year-old's favorites, I have seen this movie 100 times, and it doesn't get old. Cartel's voice acting is as entertaining as possible, and the Minions are just a masterstroke of brilliance that my daughter exclaims, "it's so cute!" every time they're on the TV. But this animated heist film becomes much more as three orphaned girls warm the heart of criminal mastermind Gru as he grows from an evil loner to a caring father. Despicable Me was as touching as hilarious, and its creativity and fantastic characters make it my absolute favorite animated film of all time.

Sep 9, 2022

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Thematic Analysis

Despicable Me represents a fascinating example of Animation/Family/Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Pierre Coffin brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2010, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Despicable Me took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $69.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 129 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
  • The costume department created over 224 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The film contains approximately 2465 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 2010, when this film is released:
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Despicable Me shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Swan Song, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Despicable Me subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like RV and The Ferpect Crime explore similar territory, Despicable Me stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: July 8, 2010
  • Runtime: 1h 35m
  • Budget: $69,000,000
  • Revenue: $543,284,256

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