Despicable Me 2 (2013)

It's not easy to make a sequel better than the first outing, especially because most of the time you know exactly what to expect.

Yet, even though this is pretty much what you'd expect, 'Despicable Me 2' is a lot better than the first one. Yes, even with more Minions. Who knew?

Gru is enlisted by the "Anti-Villain League" to discover the whereabouts of some new serum that turns docile people and creatures into vicious killers. He is teamed up with special agent Lucy and they have to look for another evildoer in a mall.

Yes, you read that correctly. A mall.

Well, it's one place for an evil lair, no? Malls are after all, the portal to unimaginable evils and torture anyway. Don't believe me? Try going to one on a Saturday afternoon and not get into a murderous frenzy, I dare you.

Meanwhile, Minions are being kidnapped by an unknown assailant and when they are turned into evil purple Minions, things really heat up. Will Gru be able to best his evil opponent and save the day?

Oh, by the way, the 'despicable' part of Gru is completely out the window. Trust me.

So why is this one better than the first? Not for the story, which is pretty perfunctory anyway. No, this one is better because it's literally one gag and/or joke after another and most of them actually land. Don't see this as an animated action/adventure, but as a goofy comedy. Because it is. You could liken it to classic Pink Panther meets James Bond and you wouldn't be too far off.

I especially think the character of Lucy was a great introduction to the series, and seeing as she's voiced by Kristen Wiig, you can rest assured that the comedic timing is on point. She is damn funny, and this plays to all her strengths here. Steve Carell also takes more liberty in his depiction of Gru and that fits, because his character has grown. Also also: the new villain is lots of fun. Especially his henchman.

'Despicable Me 2' is a barrel of laughs and anyone can get enjoyment out of it. Unless you really dislike Minions, but then you wouldn't watch any film of this series, now would you?