Smart Parenting Review: Despicable Me 4 Is A Must-Watch With Dad

This is a spoiler-free article.

My family got three tickets to the advanced screening of Despicable Me 4, and it was a treat that my husband and four-year-old daughter were looking to have after a grueling two weeks filled with work and school preparations.

^{Me, my husband, and our dear daughter dressed as a Minion during the special screening of Despicable Me 4 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay on June 29, 2024}

We recently watched Minions: The Rise of Gru on Netflix, and this movie was a good way to continue the fun especially in the big screen. Watching movies in the cinema is a big family thing for us, and Despicable Me 4 didn't disappoint.

Smart Parenting Review: Despicable Me 4

1. It's going to be a roller-coaster ride.

As expected based on its prequels, Despicable Me 4 is a fun, action-packed movie that will keep you on your seats. The first five minutes into the film is already loaded with fight scenes so you should arrive at the cinema on time and with your popcorn and drinks.

"Quite characteristic of the franchise, families could expect the usual comical antics of the characters. The lines were hilarious! Unlike the previous movies, this fourth installment is closer to reality. Hence, families would find the story and some scenes relatable," said Mommy Joselle Ona, mom of two and member of the Smart Parenting Squad.

Mommy Joselle added, there are easter eggs throughout the movie that would reveal the generation and group you belong too, especially millennials, and there's also something for fans who call themselves "ARMY." *wink wink*

2. It's heartwarming, especially for new dads.

Going into the core of the movie, it's about the heart and soul of families: keeping our main team safe amid all the struggles. This is also the first time you'll meet Gru, Jr., the only son of Gru (Steve Carrell) and Lucy (Kristen Wiig). Like any child, he's clingy to mom, but the scenes with dad will get you. Ready some tissues!

"Despicable Me 4 may be a funny and crazy movie, but throughout the show, it gives a powerful message that for us dads (even if we may be imperfect or annoying at times), we will still do anything (no matter how crazy) for our family." —Joma Vicencio

Smart Parenting Squad's Mommy Rolly Sagun describes the movie as "comforting, hilarious, and welcoming." She revealed that it was her husband's first time to watch the film with the kids in tow, "Kaya bitin na bitin siya! Hopefully, this is not the last Despicable Me."

3. It's a homage to dads who are shattering gender roles and stereotypes.

Gru, whom we have known over the years for being the villain that he is, is unexpected as a dad. We know how much he loves her three daughters Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Madison Polan), but he just different with Gru, Jr. We don't want to spoil, but I was particularly touched when he sorted some unfinished business with the Gru's nemesis, Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell), towards the end of the film.

"Despicable Me 4 may be a funny and crazy movie, but throughout the show, it gives a powerful message that for us dads (even if we may be imperfect or annoying at times), we will still do anything (no matter how crazy) for our family," said Smart Parenting Squad's Daddy Joma Vicencio, also known as Papa Jomsi.

One last comment though, as a parent and preschool teacher, Mommy Joselle noted that there are words used in the movie that are inappropriate for young kids, so parental guidance is highly advised. We all know Minions have since used slapstick comedy, so if it doesn't sit well with you, you might be a bit uncomfortable while watching.

Smart Parenting tip: Head to McDonald's after the movie to get their limited edition Despicable Me 4 toys that come with every Happy Meal! 

Exclusive interview with Kristen Wiig (voice actor of Lucy, Gru's Wife)

If dad can't come with the family on this movie date, Despicable Me 4 remains a wonderful treat for moms and kids of all ages. Mom Lucy assures that!

Smart Parenting got first dibs on this exclusive interview with Kristen Wiig, the voice actor of Lucy Wilde, the wife of Gru. She revealed why Despicable Me remains a family movie that would touch on all our emotions. Here's the full interview:

Could you ever have imagined that nearly 15 years after the release of Despicable Me you would still be working on these movies?

No! I mean, I was so happy to play Miss Hattie in the first movie, but then just kind of assumed that since the girls were adopted I wouldn’t be in any others. So, the fact that they asked me to come back and be a different character for the next three films is amazing and working on them has been one of my favorite experiences.

Why does it mean so much to you?

Well, people truly love these films. Adults enjoy taking children to watch them, and teenagers like them too. They are truly made for everyone and it just feels great to be part of that family. It is also very nice opportunity to make people happy, especially during these times in our world.

But why do you think this animated franchise has reached so many people?

Because it’s got action and comedy, and at its core it’s about family. It just has a nice heart to it, with moments where you even tear up a bit.

Here you return to the role of the skilled secret agent Lucy, Gru’s wife and mother to their kids. Are you like her in any way?

Oh my gosh, I wish I had her energy! In this film you see her mama bear come out, and I think I’m like that with my family a little bit too. So, Lucy loves her work, but family comes first, and that’s something I can relate to for sure.

You must be looking forward to seeing Despicable Me 4 with your family.

Oh yeah! My kids have seen the first film, and they just love the Minions. So, I’m very excited to see Despicable Me 4 with them. It’s nice to have something we can all watch together that I’ve been a part of.

Is it easy for you to slip back into this character when you return to each movie?

Yes, because it’s fun to slip into someone so energetic and positive that loves her husband, as she is very supportive of Gru.

Gru, Lucy and the kids are forced to relocate to a new town. How does Lucy see that move?

I think Lucy sees everything as an adventure. And because their relocation is about keeping her family safe, she is trying to rally them to be excited. So, I believe Lucy is genuinely happy to do something new, even though she doesn’t love her new name so much. Other than that, I think she just tries to steer the ship.

And she adopts a new job as a hairdresser to stay incognito.

Lucy is a highly-trained, super-skilled, take-no-prisoners agent of the Anti-Villain League. And now she’s faced with giving a little haircut. I mean, how hard can that be? We will see…

Gru is a fish out of water wherever he is, but even more here.

Yeah, he’s the only guy in town wearing a long black shirt and looking the way he does.

Steve Carell returns to the iconic role of Gru, and then you also have an extraordinary group of actors joining the franchise in Despicable Me 4.

They always get such great people: Will Ferrell, Sofía Vergara, Chloe Fineman, Stephen Colbert… It’s exciting!

We’ll also meet the Mega Minions, with their superpowers, in this one. What can you say about them?

That they are Minions on steroids. They are kind of like gremlins, but after midnight. Watch out!

Which one of their superpowers would you like to have?

I don’t care that much about flying, so I would have to say super strength.

And what if you could choose any superpower imaginable?

I wish I could take naps, but that’s not really a superpower. Maybe reading people minds. That would be a good one to have as long as I could turn it off whenever I wanted to, because if not you are hearing everyone all the time, which isn’t good.

How was it to reunite with director Chris Renaud on this project?

I love Chris. He is so talented, and he just lets you play. I enjoy working with him because it’s very creatively fulfilling and fun.

Actors say that it can be quite freeing to voice an animated character, as you don’t need to worry about what you look like or what’s going on around you. Do you agree?

I mean, everybody always jokes that you can go to work in your pajamas; but the truth is that you can, and I have! I think it’s nice because you get to do many takes and so many different things with your voice. I love doing voice over.

And why do you believe these films continue to have so much success?

Because they feel familiar, and they are about family. You can also always look forward to a hilarious villain. They are just so much fun to watch, no matter how old you are.

Illumination's Despicable Me 4 opens July 3, 2024 in cinemas nationwide. Watch the trailer here: