We attended a complimentary screening to help facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.
Earlier this week, our family enjoyed a fun night out with frozen yogurt and a trip to see Despicable Me 3. Since we have watched the previous movies more than once, everyone was excited to spend more time with Gru, Lucy, Margo, Edith, Agnes, and, of course, the Minions. The Despicable Me franchise has always been a favorite in our house because it mixes silly humor, family moments, and just enough adventure to keep both kids and adults entertained.
About the movie:
Illumination continues the story of Gru, Lucy, their three daughters—Margo, Edith and Agnes—and the Minions in Despicable Me 3.
After Gru is fired from the Anti-Villain League for failing to stop the latest villain threatening humanity, he finds himself facing a major identity crisis. When a mysterious stranger reveals that Gru has a long-lost twin brother named Dru, Gru is pulled into an unexpected family reunion. Dru desperately wants to follow in his brother’s old villainous footsteps, and Gru begins to rediscover the mischievous side of himself that he thought he had left behind.
One of the first things I noticed about Despicable Me 3 was its lighter, more playful tone. The earlier films have always included plenty of comedy, but this installment leans even further into the fun. For me, that felt like a natural step for Gru’s character. He began the series as a villain with big schemes and an even bigger ego, but over time he has become a hero, a husband, and a father. That kind of character growth changes the way the story feels, and I appreciated seeing the humor come from his new life as much as from the action.
As a parent, I also found many of the family moments relatable. Life with kids often comes with surprises, chaos, and laughter, and the movie uses that well. Gru is no longer just trying to prove himself as a former super-villain or secret agent. He is also trying to understand who he is within his family. That balance gives the movie heart while still keeping the pace quick and entertaining for younger viewers.
I did notice that the Minions have less screen time in this film than they do in some of the other Despicable Me movies. However, since the previous release focused heavily on the Minions, it was nice to return to Gru and see how his family is adjusting to their new normal. The Minions still bring their trademark silliness, but the movie gives more attention to Gru, Lucy, and the girls, which helps the story feel connected to the main franchise again.
Family plays a major role throughout the movie. Gru’s family history has always been a little sad, especially because his mother has never seemed especially warm toward him, and he believed his father had died when he was a baby. Meeting Dru gives Gru a new connection to his past and to someone outside the family he has built with Lucy and the girls. Dru is almost the opposite of Gru in many ways, but that contrast makes him a fun addition to the story.
The main villain also adds a lot of personality to the film. He is completely stuck in the 1980s, which creates plenty of nostalgic moments and throwback-style humor. Parents who grew up in the 80s or 90s will probably enjoy those references, while kids can still laugh at his over-the-top personality and dramatic villain style. The humor works on more than one level, which is one of the reasons the movie makes a good family outing.
Another part of the film I really enjoyed was Lucy’s storyline. She is still brave, capable, and completely loyal to Gru, but she is also trying to find her place as a new stepmom. Watching her work to bond with Margo, Edith, and Agnes added a sweet layer to the movie. She is not shown as perfect, but she is determined, caring, and strong. I liked that the film allowed her to be both a loving parent figure and an action-ready hero.
What did the rest of the family think? Both of my boys said that Despicable Me 3 was their favorite movie in the franchise. They loved how funny it was, and Zac laughed loudly during several scenes. He has also been quoting the villain’s catchphrase since we saw the movie, which is usually a good sign that it made an impression.
Justin liked the movie too, although he did not enjoy it quite as much as the earlier films. He felt that this one was a little too silly and said he preferred Gru when he was still more of a villain who just happened to be funny. I understand his point, especially for fans who loved the original tone of the first movie. Personally, I thought the humor fit where the series is now. Gru has changed, and the movie reflects that change in a way that feels fun and family-friendly.
Overall, I thought Despicable Me 3 was worth seeing, especially for families who already enjoy the franchise. It has plenty of laughs, a fast-moving story, colorful characters, and enough heart to make it more than just a silly animated comedy. If you are looking for a fun family movie with familiar characters and a cheerful tone, this one is a solid choice.
Free Activity Sheets!
If your kids enjoy the movie, official printable activity sheets are a fun way to keep the Despicable Me 3 excitement going at home. They can be a great option for a quiet afternoon, a movie-themed family night, or a simple activity after seeing the film.
Say “Aloha” to the Minions. Despicable Me 3 is in theaters now.
