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… Pierre Coffin, Jemaine Clement, Danny McBride, Mindy Kaling.

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