SOME CALL HIM BAD, THEY CALL HIM DAD.

In order to steal a shrink ray from his enemy, aspiring super-villain Gru adopts three orphaned kids who might be able to infiltrate the base where the shrink ray is hidden.

This computer-animated 3D hit began life in a French studio, but at its worst it still looks like your average family-friendly comedy out of Hollywood. Still, it is undeniably amusing, with Steve Carell sporting a ludicrous accent; his little cheerful yellow minions, reminiscent of countless Disney sidekicks, also provide laughs.

The adventure itself is nothing much; the fun is in the details and the comedy.

2010-U.S. Animated. 95 min. Color. Directed by Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud. Story: Sergio Pablos. Songs: Pharrell Williams. Voices of Steve Carell (Gru), Jason Segel (Victor “Vector” Perkins), Russell Brand (Dr. Nefario), Julie Andrews, Will Arnett, Kristen Wiig… Danny McBride.

Trivia: Followed by three sequels, starting with Despicable Me 2 (2013), and a spin-off movie, Minions (2015).