[Blu-ray Review] — Gru and Minions Return in "DESPICABLE ME 4"

DESPICABLE ME 4 (PG; 95 minutes), one of the summer's biggest blockbusters, is now available to own on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. This film marks the sixth installment of the Despicable Me franchise, including the two Minions prequels. It grossed over $900 million in ticket sales worldwide, making it the third highest-grossing film of 2024.

The supervillain-turned-Anti-Villain-League-agent, Gru, returns for a bold new era of minions mayhem in Illumination’s DESPICABLE ME 4, now with over an hour of exclusive bonus content, including two mini-movies. Gru, Lucy, and their girls welcome a new member to the family – Gru Jr. – who is intent on tormenting his dad as a new nemesis shows up and forces the family to go on the run. This latest blockbuster chapter in the biggest global animated franchise is packed with nonstop action, filled with Illumination’s signature subversive humor and new dynamics with the introduction of a questionably charming team - The Mega Minions!

Mike White (Migration) and Ken Daurio (Despicable Me 1-3, Migration) co-wrote the script, with Chris Renaud (Despicable Me 1 & 2) returning as the director. The voice cast includes Steve Carell (“The Office,” Despicable Me franchise), Kristen Wiig (“Saturday Night Live,” Despicable Me franchise), Will Ferrell (Anchorman, Elf), Sofia Vergara (“Modern Family,” “Griselda”), Joey King (The Kissing Booth, “The Act”), Stephen Colbert (“The Colbert Report,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” Monsters vs. Aliens), and Miranda Cosgrove (“iCarly,” Despicable Me franchise).

The newest installment of DESPICABLE ME is a disappointing sequel, arguably the worst in the franchise. The plot feels recycled, resembling a "best of" compilation of the previous movies. The villain is dull, and his motivation is even more so, which I won't spoil here. The jokes feel stale, except for a poor minion stuck in a vending machine throughout the film. "The Mega Minions" are irrelevant to the barely-there plot.

The computer animation is well executed, so there were no issues there. The music score stands out as excellent and is the film's highlight.

DESPICABLE ME 4 falls short in the series due to a weak script. There are a few entertaining action scenes but little else. The jokes are lackluster, and even the best ones fail to elicit a smile. Fans of the franchise, particularly younger audiences, might overlook the flaws and enjoy the film for what it is. However, everyone else will likely find it dull. ╌★★½✰✰

Just a quick reminder: This Blu-ray is available for purchase on Amazon.com. I am an Amazon affiliate, so if you buy the movie through the link above, I will receive a small commission. All earnings will help to support future reviews.