Despicable Me 2 (2013) review

Fluffy but kinda cute - in the most pandering way possible - sequel this time has balding, Gaspar Noé-looking Gru (voiced, magnificently, by Steve Carell) raising his three daughters, inadvertently courting his future wife (Kristen Wiig) and fighting against a new evil enemy (Benjamin Bratt) whose long-term goal is a little vague but probably involves the demise of the human race, etc. The comedic timing is improved over the first effort and the Minions (Twinkies stuffed in overalls who speak what sounds a little like pidgin French mixed with pidgin Spanish and a smidge of broken English) are adorable scene stealers, though it's challenging even for them to provide a distraction from the incessant yammering about family values.