Despicable Me 2catches up with former moon-stealing villain, Gru, who is settling into family life, raising three young girls: Agnes, Edith and Margo (Miranda Cosgrove). But has fatherhood completely distracted him from his former pursuit of evil deeds? Seems the past has come back to bite him as his quiet life is interrupted when he gets kidnapped by Agent Lucy Wilde (Kristen Wiig) of the Anti-Hero League. His minions are helpless as Gru is taken off to the AHL's deep sea headquarters where the league has an interesting proposition for him. Will the AHL's reluctant recruit forego his evil ways for good or will the temptation for wrongdoings continue to lure Gru back in?

Steve Carell
Steve Carell Voices Gru In Despicable Me.

Despicable Me 2 is the captivating follow-up to the Golden Globe-nominated original, in fact The Guardian declare it to be "Funnier - and perhaps cuter - than its predecessor," with a film directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud. The original grossed $543 million worldwide (£357m) making a whopping profit and securing the possibility of a sequel. Perhaps the movie's success is due to the comedy factor brought about by the playful, helium-voiced minions? Mark Kermode seems to think so, in a golden review: "these yellow weebles are comedy gold, their slapstick antics blending a simplicity of form with a complexity of expression rooted in the traditions of silent cinema."

Steve Carell & Kristen Wiig
Despicable Me 2 Introduces Bridesmaids' Kristen Wiig.

Watch The Despicable Me 2 Trailer:

Miranda Cosgrove
Miranda Cosgrove Voices Margo, Flanked By Two Minions.

Before the film is even on widespread release, it's Rotten Tomatoes rating is a healthy 76% with many adult critics raving about the child's comedy-adventure film, however some wonder why a sequel had to be made such as New Statesman's Ryan Gilbey who suggests the movie may be a cash-grab on Illumination Entertainment's part, calling the movie out as "a completely redundant follow-up to the perfectly delightful 2010 original." Regardless, it's astounding how well the film is able to entertain parents and children alike with it's sweet humour, meaningful moral lessons, and on top of everything, those darn adorable minions. 

Deadline reports that a 3D spin-off film centred on the lives of the minions will be released in December 2014 but Despicable Me 2 will be out tomorrow (3rd July) in cinemas.