The beloved yellow troublemakers are back, and this time, the stakes are higher, the laughs louder, and the heartwarming moments even more touching. Despicable Me 4, the latest entry in Illumination and Universal’s animated mega-franchise, brings a fresh take on family, forgiveness, and finding your place in a world full of chaos—with, of course, plenty of Minion madness to spare.
The Plot: A New Enemy, A New Town, and A New Adventure
The film picks up with our favorite reformed villain Gru (voiced once again with charisma by Steve Carell), now a devoted father and top-tier Anti-Villain League agent. Life takes a sharp turn when his old high school rival, Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell), makes a dramatic comeback—fused with cockroach DNA and a thirst for revenge. Maxime’s ultimate target? Gru's infant son, Gru Jr., who seems to share none of his father's affection for villainy or heroism.
To protect his family, Gru relocates under witness protection to a new upscale town. But hiding from the past isn’t so simple, especially when an eager young neighbor, Poppy Prescott, idolizes Gru’s villainous legacy and ropes him into one last school heist. Meanwhile, a select group of Minions are transformed into superhero-esque “Mega Minions” in a subplot that explodes with slapstick energy and comic brilliance.
As Gru juggles fatherhood, espionage, and past mistakes, Despicable Me 4 effortlessly juggles its multiple narrative threads—leading to a chaotic, action-packed, and surprisingly emotional final showdown that underscores the importance of family bonds and personal growth.
Performances & Voice Cast
Steve Carell once again proves why Gru is such a compelling animated lead—he balances goofiness and gravitas with finesse. Kristen Wiig as Lucy offers spirited charm, while Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier, and Madison Polan bring relatable teen energy as Gru's daughters.
Newcomer Joey King shines as Poppy, infusing her character with both mischief and vulnerability. Will Ferrell is delightfully unhinged as Maxime Le Mal—his cockroach-powered antics deliver both menace and mirth in equal measure.
And let's not forget the Minions—voiced hilariously by Pierre Coffin—who continue to be the comedic heart of the franchise. Their transformation into the “Mega Minions” is an inspired touch, offering a fun superhero twist that younger audiences will adore.
Animation & Music
From high-speed aerial chases to detailed suburban neighborhoods, the animation in Despicable Me 4 feels polished and vibrant. Director Chris Renaud, co-director Patrick Delage, and the animation team have gone the extra mile to update character models and add subtle new textures—particularly noticeable in returning side characters like Fred McDade.
Musically, the film stays true to its playful tone with a score by Heitor Pereira and original songs by Pharrell Williams. The upbeat soundtrack complements the film’s energy, while key emotional scenes are supported by nuanced, heartfelt melodies.
Thematic Depth & Humor
While Despicable Me 4 is undeniably a comedy, it doesn’t shy away from deeper themes. Gru’s evolving relationship with his son, the desire for acceptance, and the idea of legacy are subtly threaded through the narrative. The film also explores how children seek identity through rebellion—a theme made literal in Gru Jr.'s temporary transformation into a cockroach-human hybrid.
Yet, for all its emotional resonance, the film never forgets its core mission: to entertain. From Minion-powered mayhem to Maxime's absurd villainy, there’s no shortage of laugh-out-loud moments for kids and adults alike.
Marketing & Release
The build-up to the film's release was as colorful as the film itself. The initial trailer, packed with classic hits like “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” teased a new family dynamic, while Super Bowl and CinemaCon teasers kept fans eager. The theatrical release on July 3, 2024, followed by a successful digital and home media rollout, ensured that Despicable Me 4 reached audiences of all ages.
For those wanting to revisit the chaos from their couch, Despicable Me 4 is available on Peacock and Netflix—making it a family-friendly streaming staple.
Final Verdict – ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Despicable Me 4 manages to balance outrageous humor with surprising heart. It respects the franchise's roots while injecting fresh energy and ideas. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, there's plenty to love here—from the adorable Gru Jr. to the unrelenting antics of the Mega Minions.
It’s no wonder the film grossed a massive $971 million globally, making it one of 2024’s biggest hits. Despicable Me 4 proves that even after a decade, Gru and his gang still have what it takes to dominate the box office—and our hearts.
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