Easily the best part of this is "Evil Bratt", as an aging supervillain obsessed with his career as a child actor, which allows the 80s references to flow thick and fast. Dance fights are weirdly compelling, even though that's not a trope I'd typically expect to enjoy.
Unfortunately, him being the best part isn't necessarily because he's exceptionally good. The remainder of the film tends to lack anything different or better from the previous ones. We've seen Gru learning the value of emotional connections in films 1 and 2 and it feels a bit unnecessary here. Dru's arc is also a bit steep in that he's annoying for 90% of the film and then is suddenly fixed for the climax. I'm aware that that's his main plotline, but it's executed poorly.
Good comedy moments are a little less frequent than I would like, mainly because the minions have started to bore me. Their character, always a little one note, is starting to wear really thin. Again, Bratt shines here.
The film in general is probably best described as workmanlike. It sets out to be a family friendly little comedy and does that fairly well. It lacks the sneaky adult appeal others have achieved, but I'm sure if I were a child instead of the old cynic I am, I would have enjoyed it.
Recommended.
Tagged: Film Animated comedy Crime and punishment Fiction Cinema