Despicable Me 3

Despicable Me 3, which was released in 2017, is an animated adventure-comedy film that is the third installment of the globally popular Despicable Me franchise. Directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda, and co-directed by Eric Guillon, Despicable Me 3 offers its audiences an adventurous comedic ride through the life of the primary character Gru, who is again voiced by the incredibly talented Steve Carell. Accompanying Carell on this fun expedition are Kristen Wiig and Trey Parker, providing voices to various other characters of the film.

Just as the previous movies, Despicable Me 3 balances the humor, action, and drama perfectly to create a storyline that caters to all age groups. The film brings back several most-loved characters while introducing some intriguing new ones. Carell, who has won hearts globally for giving life to Gru in the preceding films, takes the challenge one step further by lending his voice to Gru’s twin brother Dru in this film.

In the third installment, Gru, now living a life of domestic bliss with Lucy, adopted daughters Margo, Edith and Agnes, and, of course, the Minions, face an unexpected turn of life. A pink-clad former child star Balthazar Bratt, filled with teenage-angst of the '80s, voiced by the talented Trey Parker, enters Gru's world. Once a famous child star, Bratt, now has transformed into a full-time super-villain with a chip on his shoulder for being shunned by Hollywood. He lives to enact revenge on the world, themed entirely by the 1980s television series that once showcased him.

Gru’s relationship with Lucy, voiced by Kristen Wiig, takes a significant turn. Their complexities are explored further, making Lucy’s character more multi-dimensional as compared to the previous film. As Gru and Lucy strive to work together, Balda and Coffin have creatively woven in an undercurrent of emotion and drama that complements the larger comical and adventurous narrative.

When Gru's job with the Anti-Villain League is jeopardized due to Bratt's evil scheme, he finds himself confronting a major identity crisis. This film allows audiences to explore Gru’s interesting backstory as the plot sees him discovering a long-lost family member, twin brother Dru. Dru, a cheerful, charming, and more successful version of Gru, has a lush head of hair and is eager to team up with his reluctant brother for a criminal heist.

While the central storyline revolves around Gru, the Minions are not left unexplored. Their funny antics and misadventures make for an interesting subplot in the movie. Their narrative acts as a funny contrast to Gru's struggles and self-realization journey, adding another element of hilarity to the film.

Despicable Me 3 is a joyfully wild roller-coaster ride, moving between subplots at a lively pace that keeps the audience engaged. As with the earlier movies, this film, too, has a skillful combination of borderline absurdist humor, sophisticated slapstick, and character-driven comedy which guarantees laughs. The original music score adds more nuance to the whole experience, perfectly aligning with the movie's unique storytelling and scenarios, with a reminiscent taste of the pop culture of the '80s.

Although it's the third in the series, Despicable Me 3 does a fantastic job of maintaining the franchise's signature style while incorporating fresh elements. The movie stays true to its core by developing its characters in the context of the twisted moral universe they inhabit. Gru's evolving relationship with his family, as well as his own personal growth, serve as the emotional underpinning of the plot, giving the movie depth beyond its comic surface.

In conclusion, Despicable Me 3, with its rich animation, well-rounded characters, and an engaging storyline, is a commendable addition to the franchise. It stands as a testament to the series' ability to continue expanding its universe without losing its charm and humor. Whether you are a fan of the great voice-over performances, the laughter-inducing narrative, or the heartfelt underlying moments, Despicable Me 3 has something to offer to everyone in the audience. It reaffirms that family values can intertwine effectively with fun-filled, action-packed dramatic sequences to deliver an entertaining movie experience. It is an absolute must-watch for those who follow the series or for anyone who loves a well-crafted animated comedy.