Despicable Me 2 (12/10/2013)

Rated PG for rude humor and mild action.

Starring the voices of Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, Ken Jeong and
Benjamin Bratt

Directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud (Despicable Me)

Family audiences have turned this sequel to 2010’s Despicable Me into a certified blockbuster. And I for one am not surprised.

While Gru, the ex-supervillain is adjusting to family life and an attempted honest living in the jam business, a secret Arctic laboratory is stolen. The Anti-Villain League decides it needs an insider’s help and recruits Gru in the investigation. Together with the eccentric AVL agent, Lucy Wilde, Gru concludes that his prime suspect is the presumed dead supervillain, El Macho, whose teenage son is also making the moves on Gru’s eldest daughter, Margo. Seemingly blinded by his over-protectiveness of his children and his growing mutual attraction to Lucy, Gru seems on the wrong track even as his minions are being quietly kidnapped en masse for some malevolent purpose.

I’m a huge fan of Steve Carell and was excited when I first sat down to watch Despicable Me. My expectations were high and they exceeded every one. So to say I was excited to see the sequel with my family would be a huge understatement.

What made the 2010 movie so great was the story of the super villain, Gru and his love for three little orphans. It was different and surprising and inspiring to see him change into a good dad and a good person.

But how do you continue to tell a story about a bad guy who is no longer a bad guy? Despicable Me 2 figured it out. The story is fun, funny and once again…heartwarming.

And besides a great story, the cast couldn’t be better. Steve Carell and Kristen Wiig are HILARIOUS and throw in some Benjamin Bratt…WOW!

Finally there are the co-directors Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin, who do Minion voices expertly. They keep the laughs coming and deliver on every level.

I’m not sure you need to see a fart joke in 3-D, but this movie is “Worth Buying.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is some rude humor and mild action, but this one is fine for the family.

CONVERSATION STARTER

1. How did you feel about Gru adopting the girls?


2. What are some things you think of when you hear the word adoption?


3. Read Galatians 4:5-7
   
   God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.
   
   
4. What does being “adopted by God” mean to you?


5. What does “Abba, Father” mean? (It means Daddy)


6. When was the last time you called God daddy?