"Despicable Me" is a 2010 animated comedy film directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud, marking the first film in the Despicable Me franchise.
The film features the voices of Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews, Will Arnett, Kristen Wiig, and Miranda Cosgrove.
The story revolves around Gru (voiced by Steve Carell), a supervillain who dreams of being the world's greatest villain. Gru's latest and most ambitious plan involves stealing the moon. To accomplish this, he adopts three orphaned girls—Margo, Edith, and Agnes—intending to use them as pawns in his scheme against his rival, Vector (voiced by Jason Segel), who has recently stolen the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Gru's life takes an unexpected turn as the girls begin to see him as a father figure, and their innocence and love gradually melt his cold heart. Despite his initial intentions, Gru finds himself genuinely caring for the girls and facing a moral dilemma about his villainous lifestyle.
"Despicable Me" is praised for its humor, heartwarming story, and unique characters. Steve Carell's portrayal of Gru, with his distinctive Eastern European accent, adds depth and charm to the character. The film also introduces the Minions, Gru's small, yellow, and mischievous henchmen, who quickly became cultural icons and fan favorites due to their playful antics and gibberish language.
The film received positive reviews from critics, who appreciated its blend of humor and heart. It was also a commercial success, grossing over $543 million worldwide against a budget of $69 million. "Despicable Me" launched a successful franchise, including sequels, spin-offs, and various merchandise, further cementing its place in popular culture.
Overall, "Despicable Me" is a delightful animated film that balances comedy and sentiment, appealing to both children and adults with its engaging storyline and memorable characters.