Film review: Despicable Me 3 – out on 30 June 2017
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- Published on Monday, 26 June 2017 17:01
- Last Updated on 26 June 2017
- Monica Costa
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2017 will be remembered as the year of Illumination, the filmmakers behind Sing and the Despicable Me franchise. Despicable Me 3 continues the adventurous story of Gru, Lucy, their adorable daughters — Margo, Edith and Agnes — and of course the Minions. It is the best film in the franchise so far. Parents will particularly love the latest villain Balthazar Bratt for his passion for Eighties’ music and dance. Unmissable!
The story
After he is fired from the Anti-Villain League for failing to take down the latest bad guy to threaten humanity, Gru finds himself in the midst of a major identity crisis.
But when a mysterious British butler shows up to inform Gru that he has a long-lost twin brother—a brother who desperately wishes to follow in his twin’s despicable footsteps—one former super-villain will rediscover just how good it feels to be bad.
Steve Carell not only reprises his role as Gru, but also takes on a second part — that of Dru, Gru’s twin.
Kristen Wiig returns as super-spy Lucy, while Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award winner Trey Parker voices new villain Balthazar Bratt, a former child star who’s grown up to become obsessed with the evil TV character he played in the ’80s. Gru’s most formidable and comedic nemesis to date, Bratt is out to take down Hollywood… and anyone who stands in his way.
Directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda, co-directed by Eric Guillon and written by Cinco Paul & Ken Daurio, the animated film is produced by Illumination’s Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy, and executive produced by Chris Renaud. www.despicable.me
The trailers and featurettes
DESPICABLE ME 3 – ‘STEVE CARELL REFLECTS ON GRU’ FEATURETTE
The soundtrack
Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter/ producer Pharrell Williams once again returns for Despicable Me 3 with new songs for the original motion picture soundtrack, available everywhere via i am OTHER Entertainment/Columbia Records.
Pharrell’s Yellow Light is one of five brand new original tracks he wrote and produced for the film. Watch Pharrell and the Minions journey through the streets of Hollywood in a virtual video game in the music video for “Yellow Light” HERE.
Another original Pharrell song made for Despicable Me 3 “There’s Something Special,” perfectly captures the tone of the series. Additionally, Pharrell’s anthemic “Freedom” serves as the perfect backdrop as the Minions plot their escape from prison in the film.
In addition to Pharrell’s five new original songs, the soundtrack gets a healthy dose of nostalgia, thanks to the series’ new villain, Balthazar Bratt. Bad (by Michael Jackson) makes the perfect theme song for Balthazar.
The soundtrack also features classic hits from the decade — including Madonna’s “Into The Groove,” Nena’s “99 Luftballons,” and a-ha’s “Take On Me.” Parker is featured on the infectious new song from Pharrell entitled “Hug Me.”
Despicable Me 3 Track-listing:
1. Yellow Light – Pharrell Williams
2. Hug Me – Pharrell Williams feat. Trey Parker
3. Bad – Michael Jackson
4. Take On Me – a-ha
5. Papa Mama Loca Pipa – The Minions
6. There’s Something Special – Pharrell Williams
7. Tiki Babeloo – The Minions
8. Freedom – Pharrell Williams
9. Doowit – Pharrell Williams
10. 99 Luftballoons – Nena
11. Into The Groove – Madonna
12. Chuck Berry – Pharrell Williams
13. Fun, Fun, Fun – Pharrell Williams
14. Despicable Me – Pharrell Williams
15. Despicable Me 3 Score Suite – Heitor Pereira
16. Malatikalano Polatina – The Minions
The verdict
Once again illumination has not disappointed its loyal Despicable Me fans.
Kids absolutely loved the film!
The movie has plenty of silly gags provided by the latest villain Balthazar Bratt, the Minions as well as the Grucie (Gru and Lucy) duo to keep the children happy but also lots of disco tunes from the Eighties to please the parents.
Balthazar Bratt is a disgruntled former child star, a relic of the ’80s, when everyone knew him from a show called Evil Bratt. He wears shoulder pads and pump sneakers, tossing bubble-gum bombs and break-dancing his way through acts of villainy. His dance fights with Gru at the rhythm of Bad are epic.
Although the Despicable Me animations seem spoof cartoony versions of James Bond films, they are ultimately family movies including lots of positive messages and values: learning how to be devoted adopted father and mother, acceptance of a long lost relative, friendship and loyalty to friends and family. The irreverent Minions’ story in this film is a bit disconnected to the rest of the plot, but their presence is essential for the gags they provide. At the end of the day, the Minions are the main reason these movies make millions.
Fans of Despicable Me can be reassured that there will be a sequel soon with Gru’s brother as the villain joined by the villainy-thirsty Minions. Gru will supposedly be the softie dad villain turned good chasing his twin baddie after ‘giving him a head start because he’s family’. Personally London Mums and kids cannot wait to see it.
Kids’ Club rating: 10/10
London Mums’ rating: 8/10
In addition to this summer’s Despicable Me 3, Illumination’s upcoming films — featuring creative contributors from an unparalleled collection of writers, artists, voice talent and musicians — include Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch in November 2018, The Secret Life of Pets 2 in July 2019, Minions 2 in July 2020, and Sing 2 in December 2020.
OFFICIAL CHANNELS
Universal UK YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/universalpicturesuk
Universal UK Facebook: www.facebook.com/universalpicturesuk
Universal UK Twitter: twitter.com/universaluk
Despicable Me 3 Facebook: www.facebook.com/DespicableMeUK/
Despicable Me 3 opens in theaters on 30 June 2017.
Monica Costa founded London Mums in September 2006 after her son Diego’s birth together with a group of mothers who felt the need of meeting up regularly to share the challenges and joys of motherhood in metropolitan and multicultural London. London Mums is the FREE and independent peer support group for mums and mumpreneurs based in London https://londonmumsmagazine.com and you can connect on Twitter @londonmums
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