Super Villain or Super Dad?
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Despicable Me (PG), a computer-animated 3-D feature film from Universal Pictures, opens in theaters on July 9, 2010. The movie is produced by Chris Meledandri, who already has hits such as Ice Age (2002), Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006), and Horton Hears a Who! (2008) under his creative belt. In this family comedy, Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) wants to show the world that he is the greatest super villain that ever lived. However, despite an array of sci-fi-style gadgets, a laundry list of criminal accomplishments, and a wicked-to-the-bone attitude, Gru finds that he is being upstaged by his arch enemy, a nerdy, leisure-suit wearing villain named Vector (Jason Segel).
Deciding to prove once and for all that he is number one, Gru launches an ambitious and audacious plot to steal the moon. Working from his secret lair (hidden beneath his Addams-family-esque home in an otherwise pleasant suburban neighborhood), Gru employs the talents of mad scientist Dr. Nefario (Russell Brand) and an army of small yellow minions to put his pernicious plan into action. Little does Gru know that he has yet to face his greatest challenge: three little orphan girls who are determined to make him their daddy. iCarly's Miranda Cosgrove voices, Margo, one of the orphans, and Julie Andrews takes on the role of Gru's equally evil mother.
Kids can visit the official site for a look at the slick animation and a listen to the head-bobbing soundtrack. With clean white backdrops, visuals that unfold with exaggerated flair, and cartoon sound effects, the website reflects the movie's blend of glossy sophistication and tongue-in-cheek silliness. The video trailers are entertaining and one of the clips provides a glimpse behind the scenes with commentary from cast and crew. Other features include a photo gallery, downloads, and online games (such as "Tic Tac Takeover" and a "Minion Maker" option that allows viewers to design their own tiny thumb-shaped, goggle-wearing bad guys by choosing physical features and accessories).
Book Tie-ins
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers has published several tie-in titles, all with covers featuring colorful images and the movie's easy-to-identify logo (with Gru in silhouette à la TV's Alfred Hitchcock Presents). It's bad guy versus bad guy as Gru and Vector lock horns, each pulling out all of the stops to prove that he deserves designation as The World's Greatest Villain (PreS-Gr 4). Illustrated with crisp images based on the film's animation, this staple-bound storybook makes an inviting read-aloud for younger movie fans or read-alone for more confident readers.
My Dad the Super Villain (PreS-Gr 4) retells the movie's storyline, highlighting both the ins and outs of Gru's evil plot and his budding affection for the three little girls who have come into his life. The text's short sentences and basic vocabulary are appropriate for beginning readers, but the lively writing will also appeal to a wider audience. Presented on single pages and full spreads, the bright-hued artwork supports the narrative with visual clues and is filled with interesting details and warm touches of humor.
The read-aloud crowd might get a kick out of Sleepy Kittens (PreS), a board book version of a bedtime tale that Gru shares aloud with his three young charges in the movie. Taken directly from the screenplay, the rhyming text describes how a patient and affectionate Mama Cat settles her three little kittens into bed. Done in vivid pastel hues, the illustrations reflect the text's sweet-as-spun-sugar tone (it's enough to bring a tear to the eye of even the devotedly dastardly Gru). Felt finger puppet kittens (solidly attached to the book's back cover) allow readers to become part of the action.
Kids who want to explore Gru's adventures and misadventures in greater detail will breeze through The Junior Novel (Gr 2-6). Filled with descriptive writing, snappy dialogue, and brief and suspenseful chapters, the narrative is fast-reading and fun. Each chapter is introduced with a quote from a character, setting the tone for upcoming events. Eight pages of animated art from the movie are included, complete with humorous captions.
Pub Info
MAYER, Kirsten, adapt. Despicable Me: The World's Greatest Villain. illus. by Don Cassity, Charlie Grosvenor, etc. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-316-08377-5.
ROSEN, Lucy, adapt. Despicable Me: My Dad the Super Villain. illus. by Rudy Obrero, Charlie Grosvenor, etc. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-316-08382-9.
PAUL, Cinco & Ken Daurio. Despicable Me: Sleepy Kittens. illus. by Eric Guillon. BD $7.99. ISBN 978-0-316-08381-2.
AUERBACH, Annie, adapt. Despicable Me: The Junior Novel. pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-0-316-08380-5.
ea vol: LB Kids. 2010.
