Kids in London – Film: Despicable Me

There was lots to choose from at the cinema for a half term treat but I had loved the trailers of this film and have always been a sucker for a storyline where the bad guy is really the good guy.

After being stunned at the price of a bottle of water (£2.60) and irritated at being charged £1 for each pair of 3D glasses when I have a whole heap of them at home I settled into my seat to enjoy the adverts.

There weren’t many folk in the theatre – mind you, it was the late performance (8pm) for essentially a kids film. The sound started but there was no picture. Those around me fidgeted a bit but no one made a move. Were we to spend a couple of hours in the dark with no picture? So it was down to me to get out of my seat, wander downstairs to find one of the lanky teenagers standing guard over the drinks dispensers and request a technician to attend to the film in screen 7. I wondered how long the others in there would have waited before taking action…

Anyway, I enjoyed the trailers for some forthcoming presentations – Hop, Megamind, Gnomeo and Juliet, Animals United, Yogi Bear (he used to be my favourite as a kid – but will it be exciting enough for today’s kids I wonder?) and a dragon film all look interesting. Watch this space!

So. Finally Despicable Me started. It seems that single dads are flavour of the month. In essence, the story is about a bad guy who aspires to commit the crime of the century but is foiled by a younger criminal mind until he sees a chance to succeed by adopting three little girls. I have to say that the youngest one – Agnes – is cuteness personified. I loved his Mum – in all her disapproving, karate class yet turns-lovely-at-the-end glory (maybe she reminds me of someone?).

I adored his minions – cute little DIY guys with real personality. The young men watching will be delighted by all the weaponry. The idea of “The Bank of Evil” worked on several levels – not least after the recent financial collapse – nice dig, Guys. And the fairground scene was pure genius - several laugh out loud moments and situations that every parent will relate to with a smile. The end was suitably happy (and mushy).

The kids will love it and parents will find it amusing too. Great film.