---
title: "Despicable Me 2"
year: 2013
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/despicable-me-2"
fi1m_id: "despicable-me-2"
imdb_id: "tt1690953"
tmdb_id: 93456
wikidata_id: "Q637212"
fi1m_score: 71
critics_score: 64
critics_reviews: 25
published: "2026-10-01T22:26:44.109033+00:00"
updated: "2026-10-01T22:26:44.463437+00:00"
region: "SK"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Despicable Me 2 (2013)

Directed by Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud · 1h 38m · Animation, Comedy, Family, Science Fiction

## Identity

Despicable Me 2

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/despicable-me-2
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** despicable-me-2
- **IMDb ID:** tt1690953
- **TMDB ID:** 93456
- **Wikidata ID:** Q637212
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1690953/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/93456, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q637212

**Fi1m score: 71** · Critics 64 from 25 reviews

*In a sentence:* Gru worries about his love life while the Minions get on with the important business of making stupid noises

> *Despicable Me 2* is a likable family comedy with better jokes than storytelling. Steve Carell keeps Gru worth following, while the Minions supply the biggest laughs and the crowded plot supplies the main reservation.

## Synopsis

Gru (Steve Carell) has family life and dating to contend with as the Minions take a larger share of the action. Lucy (Kristen Wiig) and Margo (Miranda Cosgrove) feature alongside Edith (Dana Gaier), Agnes (Elsie Fisher) and Dr. Nefario (Russell Brand). Gru’s domestic and romantic concerns compete with gadgets, slapstick and the Minions’ antics. The animated science-fiction comedy brings its central character’s personal problems into the action while making room for an increasingly prominent supporting troupe with little use for intelligible conversation.

## Review

*Despicable Me 2* is a good-natured family comedy whose jokes are more dependable than its story. Directors Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin give the Minions plenty of room, and their silliness usually warrants the diversion. The difficulty is keeping Gru interesting while so many comic distractions compete for attention. At 98 minutes it is hardly an endurance test, but there are stretches when we would happily trade another subplot for a better reason to care about him.

Steve Carell gives Gru a voice we can enjoy listening to before a joke has properly arrived. His unease about family life and dating is funny without making him seem incapable of affection. Kristen Wiig brings welcome briskness to Lucy, helping the comedy along without having to compete with every burst of nonsense around her. The performances make the domestic material agreeable, even when the situations themselves feel familiar.

We laughed at the Minions’ gibberish, particularly the conviction with which they deliver it. Their noises have enough expression to make explanations unnecessary, and the animation lets an emotion register before the next bit of nonsense arrives. Their increased prominence makes sense because they can get a laugh without requiring much preparation. There is a limit to this, though: whenever they interrupt a less successful passage, the business waiting for us afterwards becomes that little bit less enticing.

Production designers Eric Guillon and Yarrow Cheney give the playful gadgetry a solid-looking world to inhabit. The objects have the appeal of toys that might actually do something, and the surroundings feel substantial enough for the slapstick to register. That apparent weight matters when so much of the pleasure depends on physical absurdity. The animation is carefully judged in ways that remain enjoyable even when the storytelling gets busy.

Writers Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul have enough promising material in Gru’s family and romantic concerns without needing quite so many competing strands. The crowded script keeps finding reasons to move elsewhere before a situation has developed much comic pressure. Through the middle, this begins to feel restless rather than lively, and Gru gets too little space to hold our interest between diversions. The warmth is welcome, but the sweeter passages sometimes ask us to feel affection that the writing has not quite earned.

Gregory Perler cuts individual jokes with a pleasing snap, allowing the comic energy to survive some awkward changes of direction. The shifts between the various strands have a less certain rhythm, particularly when the domestic material has to regain our attention. Heitor Pereira’s music helps sustain the cheerful tone, although the sentimental passages could do with less encouragement. Neither contribution can quite disguise the script’s tendency to abandon one promising situation for the next, but both help keep it moving.

Within the familiar limits of a family sequel, there is enough comic invention here to justify another visit. The appeal is strongest for anyone happy to follow a collection of funny characters without insisting that their adventure fit neatly together. Choose it for a shared evening of slapstick; a tightly worked story will have to be another night’s requirement.

*Fi1m score 71, published 1 October 2026.*

## What the critics say

The reviews lean towards qualified approval: Despicable Me 2 is generally judged entertaining and amiable, if less inventive than its predecessor. Praise centres on the Minions, whose slapstick and gibberish supply dependable laughs even for several detractors. The animation’s visual invention and the voice performances also draw approval, while Gru’s family life and romantic prospects give some critics a welcome source of warmth. Mixed responses outnumber outright endorsements, but most critics find something to enjoy in the cartoon disorder.

Reservations cluster around a crowded, unevenly paced story and the loss of Gru’s sharper comic edge. Critics disagree over the Minions’ prominence: some find them a distraction from character development, while others want more. The spread is wide. The New Yorker regards the sequel as an improvement, praising its visual gags and one-liners; IndieWire dismisses it as derivative franchise-building, objecting to its borrowings and predictability.

## Straight answers

**Is Despicable Me 2 worth watching?**

*Despicable Me 2* is worth watching for a shared evening of family slapstick, and we score it 71 out of 100. We find Steve Carell’s Gru an agreeable centre and the Minions’ gibberish reliably funny, though the crowded plot keeps interrupting situations before they have much chance to develop.

**How long is Despicable Me 2, and what is it rated?**

*Despicable Me 2* runs 1h 38m. It is an animation and comedy film.

**Where can I watch Despicable Me 2 in Slovakia?**

*Despicable Me 2* is not on any streaming or rental service in Slovakia at the moment. It is available in 52 other countries; change your country at the top of the page to see where. Availability is checked daily.

**How does Despicable Me 2 compare to The Emperor's New Groove?**

*Despicable Me 2* offers warmer family comedy, but we recommend *The Emperor’s New Groove* for a more concentrated run of jokes. Gru’s domestic and romantic worries compete with Minion antics and a crowded plot; the shorter cartoon keeps its attention on comedy, though its closing lesson about friendship is less convincing.

**What should I watch after Despicable Me 2?**

After *Despicable Me 2*, try [*The Emperor's New Groove*](https://film.one/film/the-emperors-new-groove) (2000, Fi1m 80): Another difficult man discovers kindness without losing his usefulness as a comic nuisance. Then [*Ernest & Celestine*](https://film.one/film/ernest-and-celestine) (2012, Fi1m 84): A quieter choice, with warmth that never requires everyone to stop being funny; and [*The Mitchells vs. the Machines*](https://film.one/film/the-mitchells-vs-the-machines) (2021, Fi1m 76): Family friction and unruly inventions, given a clearer story and roomier feelings.

### Reviews we read (25)

- **The New Yorker** (90/100, inferred): The critic calls the sequel a buoyant improvement on the original. They praise its Looney Tunes-style visual gags and snappy one-liners. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/goings-on-about-town/movies/despicable-me-2)
- **Radio Times**, Terry Staunton (4/5): The review gives the animated sequel a positive verdict. It highlights the Minions’ increased prominence as a strength. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-b7jrhs/despicable-me-2/)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Betsy Sharkey (70/100, inferred): Sharkey finds the sequel refreshingly willing to focus on adult family and dating concerns, though it occasionally gets too mushy. She especially praises its visually inventive animation and the chaotic sequences when the transformative substance is unleashed. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-despicable-me-2-20130703-story.html)
- **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (70/100, inferred): Bradshaw calls it a likable, sweet-natured family sequel, though it does not rival Pixar’s golden age. He praises its resilient daftness and reliable silliness. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/jun/27/despicable-me-2-review)
- **Variety**, Peter Debruge (70/100, inferred): Debruge finds the sequel endearing and nearly as charming as the original, though somewhat less inspired. He praises its playful, old-fashioned cartoon sensibility and steady comic energy, while faulting the story for feeling overcomplicated and lacking a proper ending. [Read](https://variety.com/2013/film/reviews/film-review-despicable-me-2-1200497163/)
- **Vulture**, Bilge Ebiri (70/100, inferred): Ebiri finds the sequel less inventive than the original but ultimately charming. He praises Steve Carell’s distinctive voice performance and the film’s playful gadgetry and slapstick. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2013/07/movie-review-despicable-me-2.html)
- **Empire**, Helen O'Hara (65/100, inferred): O'Hara finds the film uneven but ultimately entertaining, with Gru retaining his charm. She singles out the Minions as the source of its biggest laughs, while noting that the story sags in the middle. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/despicable-2-review/)
- **Evening Standard**, The Standard (65/100, inferred): The review finds the sequel’s adventures underwhelming and badly paced, but says it ultimately comes together. It praises the manic Minions, whose finale brings the film to life. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/despicable-me-2-film-review-8677902.html)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, THR Staff (65/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel entertaining, though less inspired than its predecessor. They praise its zippy visuals and pitch-perfect voice cast. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/despicable-me-2-film-review-569433/)
- **Screen Daily**, Mark Adams (64/100, inferred): The page identifies this as a review, but the review text is inaccessible behind a paywall. Its verdict and any specific praise or complaint cannot be determined from the available content. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/despicable-me-2/5057402.article)
- **The New York Times** (64/100, inferred): The page could not be accessed, so the critic’s verdict cannot be established. No praise or complaint can be reliably identified from the available text. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/03/movies/despicable-me-2-stars-steve-carell-and-kristen-wiig.html)
- **RogerEbert.com**, Christy Lemire (2.5/4): Lemire finds the sequel entertaining but overstuffed. She singles out the Minions as its most amusing element. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/despicable-me-2-2013)
- **Time Out**, Guy Lodge (3/5): The three-star rating suggests a mixed-to-positive verdict. The standfirst singles out Hollywood animation’s growing reliance on repetition and sequels. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/despicable-me-2)
- **Total Film**, Joshua Winning (3/5): Winning finds the sequel a pale imitation of its predecessor, with a scattershot plot and Gru’s softened humor weakening it. He praises the minions as reliable sources of laughs who help buoy the flat scenes. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/despicable-me-2-1-review/)
- **The AV Club**, A.A. Dowd (C): Dowd finds the sequel too nice and lacking the original’s edge. He singles out the minions’ brief transformation into monsters as its one inspired idea. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/despicable-me-2-1798177259)
- **Slant Magazine**, Chris Cabin (1.5/4): Cabin finds the film unsatisfying, criticizing its scattered subplots and pandering attempt to please everyone. He praises the anarchic minion antics and occasional flashes of imaginative comic bedlam. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/despicable-me-2/)
- **IndieWire**, Charles Solomon (15/100, inferred): Solomon finds the sequel a cynical, derivative exercise in franchise-building rather than an inventive film. He especially objects to its borrowing from earlier films and its predictable story, while criticizing scenes he says risk offending viewers. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/culture/review-despicable-me-2-122809/)
- **Eye for Film**, Max Crawford (90/100, inferred): Crawford finds the film a lively, highly entertaining success for children and adults. He particularly praises its animation, convincing physical world and well-targeted slapstick humor. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/despicable-me-2-2013-film-review-by-stuart-crawford)
- **Paste**, Michael Burgin (7.6): Burgin finds the sequel more fun than its predecessor and says it builds effectively on Gru’s established character. He praises its warm message that everyone deserves to be loved. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/despicable-me-2)
- **HeyUGuys**, Emily Breen (4/5): Breen finds it delightful, heartfelt family entertainment, with Gru’s romantic growth providing an especially moving thread. She praises the animation, comic performances, and Minions, though she objects to a couple of lazy fart gags and the closing use of “YMCA.” [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/despicable-me-2-review/)
- **Den of Geek**, Simon Brew (70/100, inferred): Brew finds it a fun, solid sequel with enough energy and humor, though its story feels familiar. He praises the Minions’ comedy and the fast-paced gags, while noting they paper over narrative weaknesses. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/despicable-me-2-review/)
- **Digital Spy**, Simon Reynolds (65/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel entertaining but less fresh and emotionally substantial than its predecessor. He praises its visual set pieces and cast, while noting that the Minions risk wearing out their welcome and Gru’s character development feels weaker. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a491818/despicable-me-2-review-steve-carells-gru-overshadowed-by-minions/)
- **The Playlist** (64/100, inferred): The URL identifies this as a review of Despicable Me 2, but the page content is blocked. The critic’s verdict and any specific praise or complaint cannot be determined. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/review-despicable-me-2-starring-steve-carell-kristen-wiig-20130702/)
- **Collider**, Matt Goldberg (C+): Goldberg finds the sequel unfocused, with Gru and his daughters sidelined to make room for the minions. He praises the minions’ comic appeal and expressive gibberish, while criticizing the reduced character development and world-building. [Read](https://collider.com/despicable-me-2-review/)
- **The Wrap**, Alonso Duralde (30/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel blander and less funny than the original. The minions remain scene-stealing, but the review complains that they do not get enough screen time. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/despicable-me-2-review-less-despicable-less-funny-100971/)

## Details

- **Director:** Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud
- **Director:** Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud
- **Writer:** Cinco Paul, Ken Daurio
- **Editor:** Gregory Perler
- **Music:** Heitor Pereira
- **Production design:** Yarrow Cheney, Eric Guillon
- **Producer:** Chris Meledandri, Janet Healy
- **Cast:** Steve Carell as Gru (voice); Kristen Wiig as Lucy (voice); Benjamin Bratt as Eduardo / El Macho (voice); Miranda Cosgrove as Margo (voice); Dana Gaier as Edith (voice); Elsie Fisher as Agnes (voice); Russell Brand as Dr. Nefario (voice); Ken Jeong as Floyd (voice)
- **Runtime:** 1h 38m
- **First release (France):** 16 June 2013
- **Genres:** Animation, Comedy, Family, Science Fiction
- **Budget:** $76 million
- **Box office:** $971 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EK3j98PHaGM

## Where to watch in Slovakia

Not streaming, renting or buying in Slovakia at the last check.

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, ID, IE, IL, IN, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, TH, TR, UA, US, VN, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Academy Awards 2014: Best Animated Feature (nominated)
- BAFTA Film Awards 2014: Best Animated Film (nominated)
- Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie 2014: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie (nominated)
- Annie Award for Best Animated Feature 2013: Annie Award for Best Animated Feature (nominated)
- Critics' Choice Awards 2013: Best Animated Feature (nominated)

## If you liked this

- *The Wrong Trousers* (1993): The physical comedy is precise, and every innocent object looks faintly dangerous.
- *The Emperor's New Groove* (2000), Fi1m 80: Another difficult man discovers kindness without losing his usefulness as a comic nuisance. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-emperors-new-groove.md)
- *A Town Called Panic* (2009): More domestic chaos, with even less concern for sensible behaviour or physics.
- *Ernest & Celestine* (2012), Fi1m 84: A quieter choice, with warmth that never requires everyone to stop being funny. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/ernest-and-celestine.md)
- *The Mitchells vs. the Machines* (2021), Fi1m 76: Family friction and unruly inventions, given a clearer story and roomier feelings. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-mitchells-vs-the-machines.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/despicable-me-2