The Film:

Here’s a delightful little animated film.

I looked and looked for the DreamWorks or Pixar logo on the film, but nope, someone else is actually making and can make just as good animated films as those two powerhouse studios, and the real winners are us, the audience. Despicable Me aims for the funny bone and hits it nearly every time, thanks to a clever script that has a few jokes that could be viewed as being a tad mean-spirited, but hey, what’s not to like about an animated film that jabs at orphans, bad parenting, and poop? Don’t fret, it’s all very safe, so your kids won’t be tainted, as I’m sure they’ll love the Minions so much, that Universal granted us with some  short films for the Gru-ray disc.

For all of the jokes, the poop humor, and the Minion antics, Despicable Me actually has an emotional chord within all of the eye-popping 3D. It might be minor, and not as profound as we’ve seen from DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragonand Pixar’s Toy Story 3. The film has a somewhat original idea of two super villains battling it out for top villainy and a bank loan for future villainy. Gru (Steve Carell) thinks by adopting three orphaned little girls, that he could use them to trick Vector (a somewhat wasted Jason Segel) and get his shrink ray. All goes according to Gru’s devilish plan, until he develops his father’s connection to the three girls.

Despicable Me is quite enjoyable from start to finish. The emotional third act doesn’t hit a home run, but it’s a solid double with runners in scoring position, but still, it’s the clever visual jokes, the Minions, and safely inappropriate humor that makes the film a hoot. Oh, and the funky Mission: Impossible score from Hans Zimmer and Pharrell from N.E.R.D. adds a considerable amount of charm to film. It’s a welcomed breezy time, possibly a nice diversion from the more emotional animated films as of late. In fact, it nicely reminds us of a bygone time when Road Runner would violently out wit Wiley E. Coyote. Like I said, Despicable Me is a charmer, and it doesn’t mind being a little devious to do so.

The Blu-ray:

Audio/Video: Universal’s HD transfer is better here than in 2D cinemas. It’s eye-catching with the eye-popping colors and fine clarity, like any animated film should be on Blu-ray. I don’t want to bore you with adjectives on the great looking transfer, so just enjoy: it’s what HD animated films are made for. Note: There’s also a 3D Blu-ray version that is on a different set, so it won’t be reviewed here.

The DTS track is equally as great. Loud, powerful, room-rattling, yet it never drowns out the babble between the Minions or any other dialogue. Hope you all have a above average home theater system.

All extras are in HD.

Commentary: Director’s Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin talk about the production of the film and the development of the script, and at times, get interrupted by the lovable Minions. Maybe it’s too much, since only adults listen to these, but hey, it’s cute and clever, even if it’s over-done.

Gru Control: This is an all-Minion picture-and-picture track and it features them goofing off during the movie, with some interviews. It’s neat for the kids and is possibly only aimed at them.

Mini-Movies: Here’s three short films, featuring mostly the Minions (yet again), and they’re all pretty good. Home Makeover has the three little girls trying to prep the house for a visit from the Orphanage to make sure Gru is still keeping the house safe. Orientation Day has a couple of new Minions learning the rules of the job, but it’s Banana, that is truly funny and great. Fans should enjoy all three, though.

Most of the featurettes are kind of EPK, but give a good little bit of info on the making of the film. The Voices of Despicable Me has interviews with the voice cast; The World of Despicable Me covers the creation fo the houses, labs, and other places; Despicable Beats has an interview with N.E.R.D.’s Pharrell on his score and songs for the film; and A Global Effort covers the international production teams that help make the film. Simple and quick.

These extras are just for fun: Miss Hattie’s Top Secret Cookie Recipes offer up some recipes for the fans that are cooks; some interactive games in Super Silly Fun Land and Gru’s Rocket Builder, which are your typical remote control based games; and Trailers and BD-Live functions round out the extras.

A second disc that hosts the DVD version of the film and the Digital Copy.

Conclusion: Funny, enjoyable, even with some subtle mean bits of humor (that I enjoyed) on a stellar Blu-ray disc.

The Film: Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

The Blu-ray: Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Blu-ray has the list of special features:

Source: LA Times

No timetable or release date announced for the Minion short films or Despicable Me 2.

Source: Collider

For all of the jokes, the poop humors, and the Minion antics, Despicable Me actually has an emotional chord within all of the eye-popping 3D. It might be minor, and not as profound as we’ve seen from DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon and Pixar’s Toy Story 3. The film has a somewhat original idea of two super villains battling it out for top villainy and a bank loan for future villainy. Gru (Steve Carell) thinks by adopting three orphaned little girls, that he could use them to trick Vector (an somewhat wasted Jason Segel) and get his shrink ray. All goes according to Gru’s devilish plan, until he develops his father connection to the three girls.

Despicable Me is quite enjoyable from start to finish. The emotional third act doesn’t hit a home run, but it’s a solid double with runners in scoring position, but still, it’s the clever visual jokes, the Minions, and some humor that’s safely inappropriate that makes the film a hoot. Oh, and the funky Mission: Impossible score from Hans Zimmer and Pharrell from N.E.R.D. adds a considerable amount of charm to film. It’s a welcomed breezy time, possibly a nice diversion from the more emotional animated films as of late. In fact, it nicely reminds us of a bygone time when Road Runner would violently out wit Wiley E. Coyote. Like I said, Despicable Me is a charmer, and it doesn’t mind being a little devious to do so.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

1. Despicable Me ($60,117,000)

2.The Twilight Saga: Eclipse ($33,400,000)

3. Predators ($25,300,000)

4. Toy Story 3 ($22,000,000)

5. The Last Airbender ($17,150,000)

6. Grown Ups ($16,400,000)

7. Knight And Day ($7,850,000)

8. The Karate Kid ($5,700,000)

9. The A-Team ($1,800,000)

10. Cyrus ($1,375,000)

This week will see the release of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (July 14), Inception (July 16th), Spoken Word (Limited), Standing Ovation (Limited), and Valhalla Rising (Limited).

(July 2nd)

The Last Airbender

Jon:Donny, are you ready for more M. Night? We both outright have dismissed his last few films and rightfully so. They’re directed with a keen eye, yet the stories had much, much to be desired. The box office of those films proved that. So adapting an existing source could be what he needs to showcase his style again, and while I’m not familiar with the Nick cartoon Avatar: The Last Airbender, this could be either a surprise this summer (and we need one) or more lame M. Night goofiness. I’m rolling the dice here: See it.

Donny: After his last effort The Happening (grass is NOT scary), I think I’ll let you tackle this one. I’m really NOT interested. Skip it.

Some people will be looking for The Twilight Saga: Eclipse this day, but it actually opens June 30th and we covered that in last month’s article.

(July 9th)

Despicable Me

Jon:After the incredible films in How to Train Your Dragon and Toy Story 3, I’m not sure if many will want a film that aimed at pure laughs, instead of great storytelling. But I could be wrong, because the 3D trailer looks great, concept reminds of a Spy vs. Spy, so it could charm based on those simplest of merits. See it.

Donny: I enjoyed the trailer for this one, and I’m all about the funny. See it.

Predators

Donny: I don’t know about Jon, but I’m totally stoked for this film. It’s time we got another Predator film that rocks! I’m gonna be there on opening night to See it.

Jon: I’ve always been a big fan of Predator 2 and I have longed for a new solo Predator film. I’m so lame, I pop in AvP or AvP: Requiem just for a quick fix of Predator. I need help. Luckily, I’ll get a super shot of Predator-awesomeness thanks to Nimrod Antal (thought I never say that) and Robert-please-to-God-no-more-Spy-Kids-movies-Rodriguez. See it.

The Girl Who Played with Fire

Jon: While I have never read the books, I did thoroughly enjoy The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and until David Fincher gets rolling with his American remakes (first is in 2012 tentatively), we will all enjoy these Swedish made thrillers. See it.

Donny: I’m with Jon on this one. I enjoyed the first one and I’m anticipating this one as well. See it.

(July 14th)

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Donny: I don’t care for Nick Cage’s flicks, but the trailer for this one sold me. I’m excited to see this flick and it’s something my kids want to see, so I get to enjoy it with the family. See it.

Jon: I’ve been skeptical, too. Until I sat back one day, re-watched the trailer and then Disney released that Fantasia inspired clip, and like magic, I feel like this could be the type of summer film we need now in 2010. Will it do better than Bruckheimer’s Prince of Persia? I don’t know, but I’ll See it.

(July 16th)

Inception

Jon:I usually wait until a director has a handful of films under his belt before I state this, but like David Fincher and Darren Aronofsky, Christopher Nolan is one of our best young directors in Hollywood. This film will be the hottest film of the summer and should also compete for top honors at year’s end. A solid cast, a bombastic, eerie score from Hans Zimmer, an interesting concept, and all in glorious IMAX 3D! There’s a reason why other titles this month chose not to open against Nolan’s The Dark Knight follow-up. I think this will be too much for you to handle Donny, with your heart and all, so I’ll gladly See it.

Donny: What Jon said. See it.

(July 23rd)

Salt

Donny: Unless Angelina decides to start making porn I’m gonna color myself bored. Add her to the list of things white people like, yet somehow I don’t. Skip it.

Jon: I thought she was done with action films? So why this over say a Wanted 2? This could go either way: dumb fun or dumb. Somehow an explosion will hinder people’s perception of quality, so maybe this might be bank, but Skip it.

Ramona and Beezus

Jon:Based on a series of young teen books, this month last little for younger kids, that might be too old for cartoons and too young for some PG-13 films. Selma Gomez (Wizards of Waverly Place)might be Disney’s best young actress, even though they want to promote others on their network, but she was some insanely winning qualities that should make this a fine film for those its aimed at. See it.

Donny: I’m not really excited about this flick. I’m sure my kids will want to check it out, but I’m planning to Skip it.

(July 30th)

Dinner for Schmucks

Donny: This is the flick I’m looking forward to the most in July. I love Paul Rudd and the trailer is stupid funny. I know Jon doesn’t care for funny flicks so I’ll let him check out the stinker below and I’ll check this one out. See it.

Jon: Damn you, boss! I laugh! It looks funny, it looks funny, and I don’t want to be banished into seeing what you’re making me see below! Actually, I have a man-crush on Paul Rudd, so I’m totally gonna see it.

Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore

Jon: It’s not in my being to immediately hate a dog movie, since I’m one of those guys, yet I fighting it here. I know the first film was well-liked amongst movie-goers, yet this looks all sorts of lame. I’m so glad Donny has kids, since I’ll Skip it.

Donny: Don’t listen to Jon, he’s gonna see this one and I’m gonna Skip it.

Charlie St. Cloud

Jon:I know this is marketed towards the Nicholas Sparks crowd and the teenage girls who have posters of Zac on their bedroom walls, yet the trailer makes this something of interest to me. Solid drama, combined with some ghostly happenings, with a little romance, should make it easier to take in. See it.

Donny: I’m so glad Jon said he is going to see this one, because I hate these ‘cry’ movies. Plus, I know he has a man crush on Efron, but you didn’t hear that from me. Skip it.

Something for everyone this month, and since we will have reviews for these films and more each weekend, we ask you to tell us what you are seeing or skipping below!

Look for this project to be based on the original Charles Addams comics and not the classic black and white television series. It originally ran in the New Yorker as a single panel comic strip that satrized the American family, and although the characters of Gomez and Morticia were eccentric, it was the TV show that made the characters supernatural.

Not much else has been revealed, except that they are considering doing the new film in black and white. To me, that would be wicked cool. Duh-dum, duh-dum…

Source: CS

Set to produce is McBride, Jody Hill, David Gordon Green and Matt Riley under the Rough House Productions label. There’s no set date at the moment for principal photography, but given the fact that it’s pretty knee-deep in pre-production, it’ll possibly start up by the end of the year.

McBride is lending his voice in the Universal Pictures animated film Despicable Me, poised to come out in theaters on July 9th.

Flight of the Conchords

Barry Sonnenfeld is directing once more with Will Smith back on board reprising his role as Jay and Josh Brolin attached to play a younger version of Kay (Tommy Lee Jones). There’s no word on when principal photography will start, but since Columbia Pictures is settling the release date for this picture to be within 2012, don’t expect for them to start filming anytime soon.

Jemaine Clement will be doing the voice of Tim in the voice star-studded animated film Despicable Me, releasing in theaters on July 9th.

The feature also includes the voice talents of Kristen Wiig, Jason Segel, Will Arnett, Miranda Cosgrove, Russell Brand and many others. Directed by Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin and co-directed by Sergio Pablos, Despicable Me comes out in theaters on July 9th. Look at the newest trailer below from Apple Trailers.:

New Trailer for Despicable Me

Wiig is definitely the in-demand comedic actress at this time. The Saturday Night Live actor is appearing in several comedies that include Date Night, Paul and MacGruber. The actress is also lending her voice for two animated features, those being How to Train Your Dragon and Despicable Me.

Producing is McBride, David Gordon Green, Jody Hill, and Matt Riley with Rough House Pictures attached to this project as it develops. You can still see Danny McBride in his supporting role in the Academy Award nominated feature Up in the Air and see him lend his voice in the Universal Pictures animated flick Despicable Me.

Surrounded by a small army of minions, we discover Gru (voiced by Steve Carell), planning the biggest heist in the history of the world. He is going to steal the moon (Yes, the moon!) in Universal’s new 3-D CGI feature, Despicable Me. Gru delights in all things wicked. Armed with his arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays, and battle-ready vehicles for land and air, he vanquishes all who stand in his way. Until the day he encounters the immense will of three little orphaned girls who look at him and see something that no one else has ever seen: a potential Dad. The world’s greatest villain has just met his greatest challenge: three little girls named Margo, Edith and Agnes.

Despicable Me comes out in theaters everywhere on July 9th, 2010. Here’s the third teaser trailer below straight from Yahoo! Movies and JoBlo. You be the judge though and let us know what you think.:

Source: Rope Of Silicon