Despicable Me 3 (2017): A Tale of Family, Redemption
mashupch.com – In 2017, Despicable Me 3 became the third installment of the hugely successful Despicable Me franchise, continuing the adventures of Gru, his adorable daughters, and the mischievous Minions. Directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda, and co-directed by Eric Guillon, the film was produced by Illumination Entertainment and distributed by Universal Pictures. Building on the charm of the previous films, Despicable Me 3 introduces new characters, explores family dynamics, and delivers action-packed humor with a healthy dose of heart. As a continuation of the series, the movie stays true to the franchise’s core while expanding on Gru’s personal growth and incorporating fresh, energetic storylines.
This article delves into the plot, characters, themes, animation, and cultural impact of Despicable Me 3, exploring how the film successfully entertained global audiences and further cemented the Despicable Me franchise as a cornerstone of contemporary animated cinema.
Plot Overview: Gru Faces a New Villain and Discovers a Long-Lost Brother
The story of Despicable Me 3 begins with Gru (voiced by Steve Carell), the former supervillain-turned-hero, continuing his work as an agent of the Anti-Villain League (AVL) alongside his wife, Lucy (voiced by Kristen Wiig). Together, they make an unstoppable team, balancing their duties as parents to their three adopted daughters—Margo, Edith, and Agnes—with their thrilling careers in crime-fighting. However, their peaceful family life is soon disrupted when they face a new threat: the flamboyant and nostalgic supervillain Balthazar Bratt (voiced by Trey Parker).
Bratt, a former 1980s child star who became bitter after his TV show was canceled, is determined to wreak havoc on the world and exact revenge on those who wronged him. With his obsession with all things ’80s, Bratt makes use of retro gadgets, dance moves, and pop culture references to carry out his evil schemes. Gru and Lucy initially attempt to stop him, but when they fail, both are fired from the AVL by its new director, Valerie Da Vinci.
At the same time, Gru receives shocking news: he has a long-lost twin brother named Dru (also voiced by Steve Carell). Dru, who is as charming and outgoing as Gru is reserved and grumpy, is living a luxurious life in the fictional country of Freedonia. Dru invites Gru and his family to visit him, and while Gru is initially hesitant, he eventually agrees to meet his brother.
When Gru and Dru finally reunite, the two brothers form an immediate bond, though they couldn’t be more different. Dru reveals that their father was a famous and successful supervillain, and Dru has always felt the pressure to live up to his legacy. However, Dru is inept at villainy and hopes Gru can teach him the tricks of the trade. Initially, Gru rejects Dru’s request to help him become a villain, but he soon realizes that this may be an opportunity to stop Balthazar Bratt and get his job back at the AVL.
What follows is a hilarious and action-packed adventure as Gru and Dru team up to face Bratt, deal with sibling rivalry, and navigate their newfound family bond. Meanwhile, Lucy struggles with her new role as a mother, trying to build a deeper connection with the girls, and the Minions, feeling neglected by Gru’s departure from villainy, embark on their own comedic journey.
Key Characters: The Return of Familiar Faces and the Introduction of New Ones
Gru – The Reformed Villain and Devoted Father
As the protagonist of the Despicable Me franchise, Gru’s character arc has been a central focus throughout the series. In Despicable Me 3, Gru finds himself at a crossroads. No longer a villain, he has embraced his role as a loving father and a crime-fighter, but he still grapples with his past and the temptation to return to villainy. The discovery of his twin brother Dru complicates matters, as Dru represents both a connection to their family’s villainous heritage and a mirror to what Gru could have been if he had pursued a different path.
Gru’s internal conflict—between his desire to be a good father and husband and his lingering attraction to his old life—forms the emotional core of the film. His relationship with Dru also provides much of the film’s humor, as the two brothers’ contrasting personalities create a dynamic that is both funny and heartfelt.
Dru – The Enthusiastic but Incompetent Twin
Dru, Gru’s long-lost twin brother, is the film’s standout new character. While Gru is serious, cynical, and practical, Dru is outgoing, flamboyant, and optimistic. Dru has always felt inadequate due to his failure to live up to their father’s legacy as a great villain, and he looks to Gru for guidance. However, Dru’s over-the-top personality and lack of villainous skills make him more of a hindrance than a help in their efforts to stop Bratt.
Despite their differences, Dru’s enthusiasm and genuine love for Gru bring out a softer side of the typically gruff character. The sibling rivalry between the two brothers adds an emotional layer to the film, and their eventual reconciliation and partnership underscore the importance of family.
Lucy Wilde – The Loving Wife and Super Spy
Lucy Wilde, Gru’s wife and fellow AVL agent, plays a significant role in Despicable Me 3 as she navigates her new responsibilities as a mother. While Lucy is confident and skilled in her professional life, she struggles with her relationship with Gru’s daughters, especially Margo. Throughout the film, Lucy works to establish herself as a maternal figure and to bond with the girls, providing a subplot that explores the challenges of parenthood and blended families.
Lucy’s character is both strong and caring, and her efforts to protect and connect with the girls provide touching moments of warmth and humor.
Balthazar Bratt – The ’80s-Obsessed Supervillain
Balthazar Bratt is one of the most memorable villains in the Despicable Me franchise, thanks to his eccentric personality and his obsession with the 1980s. Voiced by South Park co-creator Trey Parker, Bratt’s character is a former child star who grew up playing an evil genius on a popular TV show. When the show was canceled as he aged out of the role, Bratt became disillusioned and decided to embrace his on-screen persona in real life, turning to villainy.
Bratt’s plans for world domination are as ridiculous as they are nostalgic, incorporating references to ’80s music, fashion, and technology. From his use of bubblegum as a weapon to his dance-off battles set to Michael Jackson’s “Bad,” Bratt’s character is both comical and formidable. His flamboyant villainy and over-the-top antics make him a fun and memorable antagonist.
The Minions – Mischievous and Lovable Sidekicks
The Minions, Gru’s loyal yet chaotic henchmen, continue to provide much of the film’s comic relief. In Despicable Me 3, the Minions grow restless as Gru leaves behind his villainous ways, and they long to return to their former life of mischief. After quitting Gru’s service, the Minions embark on their own misadventures, including getting thrown in jail after a series of mishaps.
Despite their separation from Gru, the Minions’ loyalty and love for their boss remain a central theme. Their subplot, filled with slapstick humor and physical comedy, adds a lighthearted element to the film and reminds audiences of the enduring appeal of these little yellow creatures.
Themes: Family, Redemption, and Identity
Family and Sibling Bonds
At its heart, Despicable Me 3 is a film about family—both the one you’re born into and the one you create. The relationship between Gru and Dru serves as a focal point of the story, exploring the complex dynamics of sibling rivalry, jealousy, and ultimately, love. Dru’s desire to connect with his brother and follow in their father’s footsteps contrasts with Gru’s rejection of villainy and his commitment to his family. Their journey from estrangement to partnership highlights the importance of family bonds and the ways in which siblings can influence and shape each other’s lives.
The film also explores the theme of parenthood, particularly through Lucy’s efforts to bond with Margo, Edith, and Agnes. Lucy’s struggles to connect with the girls emphasize the challenges of becoming a step-parent and the importance of building trust and understanding in blended families.
Redemption and Personal Growth
Gru’s character arc in Despicable Me 3 continues the theme of redemption that has been central to the franchise from the beginning. Having left behind his life of crime, Gru is committed to doing good, but he still grapples with the temptation to return to villainy—especially when faced with Dru’s desire to follow in their father’s footsteps. Gru’s journey in the film is one of personal growth, as he must reconcile his past with his present and find a balance between his responsibilities as a father, husband, and former villain.
Balthazar Bratt, in contrast, represents the darker side of nostalgia and the inability to let go of the past. Bratt’s refusal to move on from his childhood stardom and his obsession with revenge serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of living in the past and failing to evolve.
Identity and Legacy
The film also explores themes of identity and legacy, particularly through Dru’s character. Dru’s insecurities stem from his perceived failure to live up to the legacy of their father, a legendary supervillain. His desire to prove himself as a villain is driven by a need to define his own identity and find his place in the world. However, by the end of the film, Dru comes to realize that he doesn’t need to follow in his father’s footsteps to find his worth—his true strength lies in his love for his family and his willingness to support Gru.
Gru, too, must confront his own identity as he grapples with the question of whether he can truly leave his villainous past behind. Ultimately, Gru’s decision to reject villainy in favor of his family underscores the film’s message that our identities are shaped not by our past actions, but by the choices we make in the present.
Animation and Visual Style
As with the previous films in the franchise, Despicable Me 3 is visually vibrant and colorful, with dynamic animation that brings the characters and settings to life. The film’s animation is characterized by exaggerated character designs, particularly in the case of Balthazar Bratt, whose flamboyant appearance and retro style perfectly capture his over-the-top personality.
The action sequences are fast-paced and energetic, with creative visual gags and slapstick humor that appeal to both children and adults. The Minions, in particular, continue to be a highlight of the film’s animation, with their expressive faces and physical comedy providing plenty of laughs.
The film also incorporates nostalgic references to the 1980s, particularly in Balthazar Bratt’s character design and gadgets. The use of bright neon colors, retro technology, and ’80s music adds a playful and nostalgic element to the film’s visual style.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release in 2017, Despicable Me 3 was met with generally positive reviews from both critics and audiences. While some critics felt that the film lacked the freshness of the original Despicable Me and relied too heavily on familiar tropes, many praised the film’s humor, animation, and voice performances—particularly Steve Carell’s dual role as Gru and Dru and Trey Parker’s portrayal of Balthazar Bratt.
The film was a commercial success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time. The continued success of the Despicable Me franchise further cemented Illumination Entertainment’s reputation as a major player in the world of animated cinema.
In addition to its box office success, Despicable Me 3 continued to build on the franchise’s cultural impact. The Minions, in particular, remained iconic characters, appearing in merchandise, theme park attractions, and spin-off media. The film’s success also paved the way for the development of future installments in the franchise, including Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022).
Conclusion: A Fun and Heartfelt Continuation of the Franchise
Despicable Me 3 (2017) is a fun, heartwarming, and action-packed continuation of the beloved franchise, offering plenty of laughs, catchy music, and endearing characters. While it may not break new ground in terms of storytelling, the film succeeds in delivering an entertaining and visually engaging experience for audiences of all ages.
At its core, Despicable Me 3 is a story about family, identity, and redemption, with Gru’s journey from villain to hero serving as a reminder that it’s never too late to change and grow. The addition of Dru and the exploration of sibling dynamics add emotional depth to the film, while Balthazar Bratt’s nostalgic villainy provides plenty of laughs and excitement.
Ultimately, Despicable Me 3 is a worthy addition to the franchise, continuing the adventures of Gru, Lucy, the girls, and the Minions in a way that is both familiar and fresh. With its mix of humor, heart, and high-energy action, the film ensures that the Despicable Me series remains one of the most popular and enduring animated franchises of the 21st century.
