---
title: "Despicable Me 3"
year: 2017
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/despicable-me-3"
fi1m_id: "despicable-me-3"
imdb_id: "tt3469046"
tmdb_id: 324852
wikidata_id: "Q22997984"
fi1m_score: 55
critics_score: 55
critics_reviews: 20
published: "2026-10-05T14:14:04.613158+00:00"
updated: "2026-10-05T14:14:04.944037+00:00"
region: "RO"
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 3 (2017)

Directed by Kyle Balda, Pierre Coffin · 1h 30m · RO AP · Action, Animation, Comedy, Family, Adventure

## Identity

Despicable Me 3

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/despicable-me-3
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** despicable-me-3
- **IMDb ID:** tt3469046
- **TMDB ID:** 324852
- **Wikidata ID:** Q22997984
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3469046/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/324852, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q22997984

**Fi1m score: 55** · Critics 55 from 20 reviews

*In a sentence:* Gru’s dancing enemy has a better idea of what to do with ninety minutes than anyone else

> The jokes keep interrupting one another in *Despicable Me 3*, a crowded sequel with a thin story. Steve Carell and Trey Parker supply some welcome silliness, but the competing plots wear us down.

## Synopsis

Gru (Steve Carell) faces the temptation to return to his wicked ways just as his family expands. He discovers a twin brother, Dru (also Steve Carell), and has a new sibling rivalry to contend with alongside family life with Lucy (Kristen Wiig). Balthazar Bratt (Trey Parker), meanwhile, brings a fixation on the 1980s to his villainy, including dance-fights with Gru. The Minions (Pierre Coffin) supply another distraction, with musical exploits of their own. Gru has to deal with his brother and Bratt while deciding how much wickedness still suits him.

## Review

*Despicable Me 3* is busy, intermittently funny and too easily distracted to be satisfying. Directors Kyle Balda and Pierre Coffin have a twin brother, a retro villain, an expanding family and the Minions to accommodate, and give us little reason to care which story takes precedence. There is a reasonable family comedy here about Gru being pulled towards his old wicked habits. It struggles to get much attention while everyone else is waiting for a turn.

Steve Carell gives Gru and Dru enough vocal distinction to make their exchanges enjoyable without relying on the novelty of hearing him twice. He finds energy in their differences, even when the sibling rivalry supplies little for either of them to do. Writers Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul introduce a relationship that ought to change how we see Gru, then settle too readily for another source of comic business. The brother is a useful addition to the cast, but an underdeveloped reason for another film.

Trey Parker’s Balthazar Bratt fares better because his 1980s fixation gives the action a particular comic shape. We laughed at the dance-fights between Bratt and Gru: the ridiculous choreography gives the confrontation something to do besides growing louder. The directors seem more interested when a physical gag can determine how the action moves. The dated references become less amusing when the film expects recognition alone to earn the laugh, and Bratt’s catchphrases are thinner material than his fighting.

Kristen Wiig brings welcome warmth to Lucy, but the family material has to compete with too many interruptions. The Minions, voiced by Pierre Coffin, remain useful performers of nonsense, particularly when the film gives them musical business. Those passages have their own comic rhythm and can be amusing in isolation. Dropping them into an already crowded film makes it harder to settle into Gru’s family troubles, especially when we know another change of focus cannot be far away.

Editor Claire Dodgson keeps the individual sequences moving briskly, though speed cannot make the separate stories belong together. We began to find the constant switching tiring; each return to another subplot meant waiting again for it to become interesting. Heitor Pereira’s score helps sustain the bustle, but the musical punchlines make more of an impression than the accompaniment. There is plenty to listen to and look at, with too little time to enjoy the consequences of a joke.

A family animation need not have much to say beyond making its characters enjoyable company. It does, however, need to know when a joke has done its work and when a relationship deserves more than a quick visit. The writers have enough promising material to choose from; their reluctance to choose is what weakens it. The sibling comedy, the villain’s routines and the family story each demand attention, and none develops enough to justify the distractions.

At 90 minutes, this is a short film that feels crowded rather than economical. Steve Carell’s vocal play and Bratt’s dance-fights provide reasons to stay interested, but we cannot recommend it on those pleasures alone. If the Minions are already the household favourites, allow for a fair amount of waiting between their appearances.

*Fi1m score 55, published 5 October 2026.*

## What the critics say

The reviews of Despicable Me 3 are mixed, with praise clustering around individual comic turns rather than the story. Balthazar Bratt’s retro antics, musical jokes and visual comedy earn approval even from several sceptical critics. Steve Carell’s performances as Gru and Dru also draw praise, while the more favourable notices find enough pace, warmth and silliness to carry the thinner material. There is less agreement about the Minions: some find them responsible for the biggest laughs, while others think they are sidelined.

Reservations centre on overcrowded plotting, recycled ideas and family subplots that receive too little attention. The spread is wide, and the same ingredients provoke opposite reactions. HeyUGuys finds Bratt’s retro style and soundtrack a source of fresh warmth; the Los Angeles Times finds the reliance on 1980s nostalgia cheap and aggravating. The dividing line is whether the energetic jokes compensate for a formula many critics regard as worn.

## Straight answers

**Is Despicable Me 3 worth watching?**

*Despicable Me 3* offers scattered laughs for families already fond of Gru and the Minions, but we cannot recommend it on those alone; we score it 55 out of 100. Steve Carell’s vocal play and Bratt’s ridiculous dance-fights are enjoyable, though the constant switching between sibling rivalry, family life and Minion distractions becomes tiring.

**How long is Despicable Me 3, and what is it rated?**

*Despicable Me 3* runs 1h 30m and is rated AP by the RO in Romania. It is an action and animation film.

**Where can I watch Despicable Me 3 in Romania?**

*Despicable Me 3* is available to rent from Amazon Prime Video from lei 7.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How does Despicable Me 3 compare to Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit?**

*Despicable Me 3* is the less satisfying comedy; we recommend [*Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit*](https://film.one/film/wallace-and-gromit-the-curse-of-the-were-rabbit) for inventive slapstick, an eccentric villain and a story that holds together. The latter’s plot stretches to fill a feature, but its precise physical humour and Gromit’s silent exasperation offer more consistent pleasure than Gru’s competing subplots.

**What should I watch after Despicable Me 3?**

After *Despicable Me 3*, try [*Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit*](https://film.one/film/wallace-and-gromit-the-curse-of-the-were-rabbit) (2005, Fi1m 87): For inventive slapstick, eccentric villains and a story that stays together. Then [*The Emperor's New Groove*](https://film.one/film/the-emperors-new-groove) (2000, Fi1m 80): Another selfish lead surrounded by fools, with much sharper comic timing; and [*The Mitchells vs. the Machines*](https://film.one/film/the-mitchells-vs-the-machines) (2021, Fi1m 76): Family friction and frantic action, with room left for the relationships.

### Reviews we read (20)

- **Radio Times**, Terry Staunton (4/5): The four-star rating indicates a positive verdict. The review highlights the expanded family and the prospect of Gru returning to his wicked ways. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-626win/despicable-me-3/)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Jordan Mintzer (70/100, inferred): Mintzer finds the film entertainingly energetic, though largely content to repeat a proven formula rather than seek deeper meaning. He praises the lively pace and the performances of Steve Carell and Kristen Wiig, which anchor the chaos with emotional warmth. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/despicable-me-3-review-1013368/)
- **Variety**, Peter Debruge (70/100, inferred): Debruge finds the sequel amusing but overstuffed, while warning that its ironic tone risks weakening the series’ emotional sincerity. He praises the fast-moving humor and especially the retro dance-fights between Gru and Balthazar Bratt. [Read](https://variety.com/2017/film/reviews/despicable-me-3-review-1202465668/)
- **Screen Daily**, Tim Grierson (64/100, inferred): The available page identifies this as a review but does not reveal the critic’s verdict. Its standfirst notes Gru’s discovery that he has a twin brother, but no specific praise or complaint is accessible. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/despicable-me-3-review/5119445.article)
- **Slant Magazine**, Keith Watson (2.5/4): Watson calls it the series’ best entry yet, praising its anarchic comic voice despite lingering structural flaws. He singles out Steve Carell’s distinct, energetic performances as Gru and Dru. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/despicable-me-3/)
- **Empire**, Jonathan Pile (60/100, inferred): Pile finds the film messy and less successful than its predecessors, but energetic enough to keep the franchise going. He singles out Balthazar Bratt’s ’80s-themed antics and the bursts of energy from Dru and the Minions. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/despicable-3-review/)
- **Evening Standard**, Charlotte O'Sullivan (3/5): O'Sullivan finds the threequel uneven, with many sequences conventional or charmless. She praises the core characters, especially Agnes’s memorable search for a real unicorn. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/despicable-me-3-review-the-minions-are-back-but-this-time-their-charm-has-faded-a3681641.html)
- **IndieWire**, Kate Erbland (C-): Erbland finds the sequel overstuffed, disjointed, and disappointing, with recycled material and dated jokes. She praises the creativity and humor of the climactic fight, but says it arrives too late. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/despicable-me-3-review-minions-sequel-1201847209/)
- **The Guardian**, Andrew Pulver (40/100, inferred): Pulver finds the film entertaining but increasingly tired, with less charm than its predecessors. He praises the inventive, funny sequences featuring villain Balthazar Bratt, while criticizing the underdeveloped twin rivalry and predictable pop-culture references. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/jun/26/despicable-me-3-review-aspartame-rush-animation-steve-carell-kristen-wiig)
- **Time Out**, Tom Huddleston (2/5): Huddleston calls this third installment lacklustre and light on ideas. The review singles out its shortage of fresh ideas as a weakness. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/despicable-me-3-1)
- **The New York Times**, A.O. Scott (30/100, inferred): Scott’s headline frames the film as evidence that the franchise is running out of steam. The available page text provides no further detail about what the review singles out. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/29/movies/review-despicable-me-3-suggests-a-franchise-running-on-fumes.html)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Justin Chang (10/100, inferred): Chang pans the film as nearly unendurable, calling it sloppy, formulaic and irritating. He singles out its hectoring humor and cheap use of ’80s nostalgia as especially aggravating. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-despicable-me-3-review-20170629-story.html)
- **HeyUGuys**, Emily Breen (90/100, inferred): Breen finds the film an utter joy, saying its earnest spirit and brisk pacing carry it through thinner moments. She especially praises Trey Parker’s Balthazar Bratt, whose retro style and soundtrack bring fresh warmth to the franchise. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/despicable-3-review/)
- **Den of Geek**, Caroline Preece (3 out of 5): Preece finds the film silly, light entertainment that earns credit for making three solid films in a row, though the series’ original concept is wearing thin. She singles out the Minions as being on top form and responsible for many of the biggest laughs. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/despicable-me-3-review/)
- **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (70/100, inferred): Hammond finds the third installment an entertaining return for Gru and company, with the jokes landing consistently. He especially praises the Minions’ supporting role and their standout musical numbers. [Read](https://deadline.com/2017/06/despicable-me-3-review-steve-carell-kristen-wiig-trey-parker-illumination-1202122997/)
- **NME** (65/100, inferred): The critic finds the film scrappy and muddled but cheerful enough to remain enjoyable. Balthazar Bratt is singled out as a terrific idea who deserved more screen time. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/despicable-3-film-review-2095592)
- **Consequence**, Blake Goble (52/100, inferred): Goble finds the film a harmless, mildly entertaining return to form, though far from great. He praises its musical punchlines and comic timing, while faulting Bratt’s weak catchphrase-driven lines. [Read](https://consequence.net/2017/06/film-review-despicable-me-3/)
- **Paste**, Oktay Ege Kozak (5.0/10): The critic calls it a lazy, cynical but fairly inoffensive and colorful time-waster. He praises Balthazar Bratt as a fun villain and singles out the inventive Kaiju-inspired finale. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/despicable-me/despicable-me-3)
- **/Film**, Josh Spiegel (3 out of 10): The critic finds the film boring, dumb, and overly familiar. He singles out Steve Carell’s goofy performance as the film’s one good part. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/551846/despicable-me-3-review/)
- **The Wrap**, Alonso Duralde (30/100, inferred): The critic finds the film overstuffed and less engaging than its predecessors. They praise Bratt and the visual comedy, but fault the sidelined Minions and subplots that go nowhere. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/despicable-me-3-review-steve-carell-trey-parker/)

## Details

- **Director:** Kyle Balda, Pierre Coffin
- **Director:** Kyle Balda, Pierre Coffin
- **Writer:** Ken Daurio, Cinco Paul
- **Editor:** Claire Dodgson
- **Music:** Heitor Pereira
- **Producer:** Janet Healy, Chris Meledandri
- **Cast:** Steve Carell as Gru / Dru (voice); Kristen Wiig as Lucy (voice); Trey Parker as Balthazar Bratt (voice); Miranda Cosgrove as Margo (voice); Dana Gaier as Edith (voice); Nev Scharrel as Agnes (voice); Pierre Coffin as Minions / Museum Director / Additional Voice (voice); Steve Coogan as Fritz / Silas Ramsbottom (voice)
- **Runtime:** 1h 30m
- **Certificate (RO):** AP
- **Release (Romania):** 30 June 2017
- **Genres:** Action, Animation, Comedy, Family, Adventure
- **Budget:** $80 million
- **Box office:** $1.03 billion
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oagwBHoh6Rs

## Where to watch in Romania

- Amazon Prime Video: rent lei 7.99, uhd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy lei 27.99, hd

*Checked 2026-10-05.*

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

- Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie 2018: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie (nominated)
- Synergy Award 2018: Synergy Award (won)
- Annie Award for Best Animated Feature 2017: Annie Award for Best Animated Feature (nominated)
- Critics' Choice Awards 2017: Best Animated Feature (nominated)

## If you liked this

- *Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit* (2005), Fi1m 87: For inventive slapstick, eccentric villains and a story that stays together. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/wallace-and-gromit-the-curse-of-the-were-rabbit.md)
- *The Emperor's New Groove* (2000), Fi1m 80: Another selfish lead surrounded by fools, with much sharper comic timing. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-emperors-new-groove.md)
- *A Town Called Panic* (2009): Small characters cause enormous trouble, with the chaos organised rather more carefully.
- *The Mitchells vs. the Machines* (2021), Fi1m 76: Family friction and frantic action, with room left for the relationships. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-mitchells-vs-the-machines.md)
- *Ernest & Celestine* (2012), Fi1m 84: A gentler animated friendship, for when the family has had enough shouting. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/ernest-and-celestine.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-3