Written by Margaretha Wertz
Modified & Updated: 11 Oct 2024
Reviewed by Sherman Smith
Get ready to dive into the world of the beloved animated film, Despicable Me, as we unravel 34 fascinating facts about this family-favorite movie. Released in 2010 by Illumination Entertainment, Despicable Me catapulted to worldwide success, capturing the hearts of both children and adults alike. This delightful story follows the adventures of reformed supervillain Gru as he embarks on a mission to steal the moon. With its lovable characters, hilarious moments, and heartwarming messages, Despicable Me has become a pop culture phenomenon, spawning multiple sequels and spin-offs. So, grab your banana and get ready to delve into the intriguing behind-the-scenes details of this animated gem!
Key Takeaways:
- The Minions were originally created as sidekicks for Gru, and their unique language, “Minionese,” has become a popular challenge for fans to learn and speak.
- Despicable Me’s heartwarming message about love and family, along with its perfect blend of comedy, action, and memorable characters, has made it a global animated sensation.
Origin of the Minions
The lovable yellow Minions from Despicable Me were originally created as sidekicks for the main character, Gru.
Global Success
Despicable Me is a global phenomenon, grossing over billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing animated franchises of all time.
Gru’s Voice Actor
The character of Gru, the main protagonist, is voiced by actor Steve Carell, who brings his unique comedic talents to the role.
The Super-Villain Plot
The movie follows the storyline of Gru’s quest to become the greatest supervillain by stealing the moon, taking audiences on a hilarious adventure.
The Adorable Girls
Gru’s life takes an unexpected turn when he adopts three orphaned girls – Margo, Edith, and Agnes – who steal his heart and bring out his softer side.
The Iconic Minion Language
The language spoken by the Minions, called “Minionese,” is a mix of different languages, including English, Spanish, and French, creating a fun and unique way of communication.
The Moon’s Unusual Role
In the film, Gru plans to steal the moon using a shrink ray, which adds a creative twist to the usual villainous plots.
Inspiration for the Minions
The creators of Despicable Me drew inspiration for the design of the Minions from various sources, including Twinkies, Tic Tacs, and penguins.
Heartwarming Message
Beyond the comedic elements, Despicable Me also carries a heartwarming message about the power of love and family, making it relatable to audiences of all ages.
Popularity of the Minions
The popularity of the Minions led to their own spin-off movie, aptly titled Minions, which explores their origins and adventures before they met Gru.
The Despicable Me Theme Song
The catchy theme song “Happy” by Pharrell Williams became an instant hit and is synonymous with the Despicable Me franchise, adding to its widespread appeal.
The Villainous Vector
Gru’s main rival in the movie is Vector, a young and ambitious supervillain who adds an exciting dynamic to the story.
The Power of Family
Despicable Me highlights the importance of family bonds, as Gru’s relationship with the girls and his own journey of personal growth take center stage.
The Minion Language Challenge
The unique gibberish language of the Minions has gained such popularity that people have taken on the challenge of learning and speaking it.
Margo, Edith, and Agnes
The three girls who capture Gru’s heart each have distinct personalities: Margo is the responsible and independent oldest sister, Edith is the mischievous middle sister, and Agnes is the adorable and innocent youngest sister.
The Magical Unicorn
In the movie, Agnes’s obsession with unicorns brings a touch of whimsy and adds humor to the story, leading to memorable moments.
The Silhouette Cameo
Gru’s distinctive silhouette, with his hunched posture and long nose, has become an iconic image associated with the character and the franchise.
The Minions’ Color
The Minions are primarily yellow in color because it represents happiness, positivity, and a sense of fun, which aligns with their lively and playful nature.
The Evil Bank
Gru’s plan to steal the moon is fueled by the need to fund his grand scheme through a loan from the Bank of Evil, formerly known as Lehman Brothers.
The Supervillain Convention
In one of the movie’s hilarious scenes, there is a convention featuring various supervillains from around the world, allowing for amusing interactions and showcasing the diverse range of characters.
The Memorable Quotes
Despicable Me is known for its quotable lines, with phrases like “It’s so fluffy I’m gonna die!” and “It’s a unicorn! It’s so fluffy!” becoming fan favorites.
The Wicked Weapons
Gru’s arsenal of villainous gadgets includes freeze rays, fart guns, and squid guns, adding humor and excitement to the action-packed sequences.
The Rival Villain
In Despicable Me 2, Gru teams up with Agent Lucy Wilde to foil the plans of Eduardo “El Macho” Perez, a former supervillain turned restaurant owner with a hidden agenda.
The Despicable Me Franchise
Despicable Me has spawned multiple sequels, including Despicable Me 2, Despicable Me 3, and the Minions spin-off films, ensuring a dedicated fan base and continued success.
The Minions’ Popularity in Merchandise
The Minions have become a merchandising phenomenon, featuring on various products, from toys and apparel to household items, which have further boosted their cultural impact.
The Importance of Visual Humor
Despicable Me incorporates visual humor as a key comedic element, appealing to both children and adults with its clever sight gags and physical comedy.
The Supervillain Lair
Gru’s secret lair, located beneath his suburban home, is filled with high-tech gadgets, impressive machinery, and an army of loyal Minions, showcasing his status as a supervillain.
The Air of Mischief
The mischievous acts of the Minions, from their playful antics to their love for causing chaos, add a sense of lighthearted fun and entertainment throughout the movie.
The Cultural References
Despicable Me cleverly integrates various cultural references and parodies, appealing to a wide range of audiences and adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the viewing experience.
The Dynamic Soundtrack
The film’s soundtrack, filled with upbeat and energetic songs, perfectly complements the fast-paced nature of the story and enhances the overall entertainment value.
The Global Impact
Despicable Me has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, transcending language barriers and cultural differences to become a universally loved animated film.
The Balancing Act
The movie strikes the perfect balance between comedy, action, and heartwarming moments, making it a delightful and enjoyable experience for viewers of all ages.
The Hilarious Supporting Characters
Despicable Me features a wide range of hilarious supporting characters, including the mad scientist Dr. Nefario and the clumsy but lovable Minion, Stuart.
The Legacy Lives On
With its enduring popularity and beloved characters, the Despicable Me franchise continues to entertain and inspire audiences, ensuring its legacy for years to come.
Conclusion
Despicable Me is a beloved animated movie that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. With its unique storyline, lovable characters, and hilarious moments, it has become a staple in the world of animated films. The success of Despicable Me has led to the creation of several sequels and spin-offs, further expanding the universe and enchanting fans of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of the iconic yellow minions or simply enjoy a heartwarming and entertaining story, Despicable Me continues to be a must-watch movie for all.
FAQs
1. Who directed Despicable Me?
Despicable Me was directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud. 2. When was Despicable Me released?
Despicable Me was released on July 9, 2010. 3. Who voiced the main character Gru?
The main character Gru was voiced by actor Steve Carell. 4. Are there any sequels to Despicable Me?
Yes, there are currently three sequels to Despicable Me: Despicable Me 2, Despicable Me 3, and Minions. 5. How much did Despicable Me gross at the box office?
Despicable Me grossed over $543 million worldwide. 6. What is the main plot of Despicable Me?
The main plot of Despicable Me revolves around the supervillain Gru’s journey to steal the moon and his interactions with three orphaned girls who ultimately change his life. 7. Are the minions a popular element of Despicable Me?
Yes, the minions have become immensely popular, due to their adorable and comical nature. 8. Is Despicable Me suitable for all ages?
Despicable Me is generally considered suitable for all ages, featuring humor and themes that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. 9. Who composed the music for Despicable Me?
The music for Despicable Me was composed by Heitor Pereira and Pharrell Williams. 10. What is the overall rating of Despicable Me?
Despicable Me has received positive reviews and has an overall rating of 7.6/10 on IMDb.
If you enjoyed learning about the delightful world of Despicable Me, why not explore more fascinating facts? Discover the joys and challenges of raising a loving family, or dive into the world of laughter at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. For a behind-the-scenes look at the brilliant minds behind Despicable Me, uncover the incredible journey of Christopher Meledandri and Illumination Entertainment. Each topic offers a unique and captivating glimpse into the realms of family, entertainment, and the creative geniuses who bring our favorite animated characters to life.
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