*** out of ****
Despicable Me 2 delivers what audiences would expect from a sequel, but that doesn't make it a lazy movie. Actually, it is often inventive and quite funny.
Reformed evil mastermind Gru (voice of Steve Carell) is still a grump as he lives the quiet life with his three adopted daughters. There is no rest for the wicked, however, as he is soon pulled back into the spy game when the Anti-Villain League recruits him to uncover the identity of a new super villain. To complicate matters, love blooms when he is partnered with bubbly spy Lucy (voice of Kristen Wiig).
Once again, those mischievous but lovable Twinkies with eyes, or eye -the Minions - steal the movie. A hilarious subplot has them being transformed into purple "indestructible killing machines".
Despicable Me 2 is leisurely paced as it takes its time getting to the meat of the story, but that can be forgiven in a film that is sunny and filled with clever sight gags.
