Despicable Me 4
Despicable Me 4 is the latest installment in the popular animated franchise, continuing the adventures of Gru, the reformed supervillain-turned-Anti-Villain League agent, and his growing family. The film introduces Gru Jr., the newest addition to the family, whose arrival coincides with the escape of Gru's old nemesis, Maxime Le Mal. Gru and his family are forced into witness protection, assuming new identities, but their cover is soon jeopardized by their new neighbor's mischievous daughter, Poppy, who blackmails Gru into a villainous heist. The movie delivers the franchise's signature blend of slapstick humor, Minion antics, and heartwarming family themes, making it generally suitable for a family audience. However, parents should be aware of cartoon violence, some crude humor, and potentially intense or scary scenes for younger viewers.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe film includes subtle elements that some may interpret as gender non-conformity or mild gender disorientation. One review specifically notes that "some minor characters exhibit gender disorientation." Additionally, Gru and the villain Maxime Le Mal wear makeup and wigs imitating Boy George for a talent show, which is played for comedic effect. Minions also engage in behavior that involves partial nudity or suggestive actions, which, while not explicitly LGBTQ, could be seen as blurring traditional gender presentation.
Movieguide states that "some minor characters exhibit gender disorientation" without further elaboration. Additionally, for a talent show, both Gru and Maxime Le Mal perform in makeup and wigs, imitating Boy George, a figure known for his gender-fluid presentation. In a scene, a minion is depicted rubbing his entire naked backside across a bus window, and another minion tears off his clothing down to his underwear, leading to laughter.
Violence
MediumThe movie features frequent slapstick and comic violence, some of which is elevated beyond typical slapstick with intense moments, though characters generally avoid serious injury. Examples include fistfights, tasering, characters being crushed, and the main villain transforming into a menacing cockroach monster. The villain also kidnaps Gru Jr., which is depicted as distressing for the baby and Gru.
Gru endures various physical comedic assaults, such as accidentally stabbing himself in the bottom with a tranquilizer dart. A villain, Maxime Le Mal, transforms into a cockroach monster-man and later uses a special gun to transform other characters into mind-controlled cockroach hybrids against their will, including Gru Jr., who cries and desperately tries to return to his father.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumRomantic content is mild, primarily involving affectionate gestures between Gru and Lucy. However, there are multiple instances of crude and suggestive humor, particularly involving Minions. This includes bare backsides and underwear being shown for comedic effect, as well as suggestive actions and innuendo that could be perceived as adult humor.
Gru and Lucy share a couple of kisses. Minions are shown with bare backsides played for humor, and one minion rubs his entire naked butt across a bus window. Another minion strips down to his underwear to the approval of young audience members. A verbal reference is made to a 'pants-ing' incident.
Substance Use
MediumThe movie contains mild depictions of substance use, primarily involving alcohol consumption by adult characters and a non-recreational sedative injection. Lucy and a friend are shown drinking martinis, and Lucy quickly downs drinks when her children are in danger. Gru is also accidentally injected with a sedative.
Lucy and a neighbor friend are seen sipping martinis at a country club. When Lucy learns her children might be in danger, she quickly consumes both her drink and her friend's drink. Gru is accidentally injected with a syringe full of sedative, causing him to walk funny.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe film features several scary and intense scenes, particularly those involving the main villain, Maxime Le Mal. His transformation into a cockroach monster-man, his violent attacks, and the kidnapping and temporary transformation of Gru Jr. are highlighted as potentially disturbing for younger children. The peril faced by Gru and his family, along with sudden shocks and loud noises, contribute to the intensity.
Maxime Le Mal transforms from a man into a cockroach monster with sharp arms and legs, violently attacking Gru and cutting his face. Maxime and Valentina kidnap Gru Junior, who cries and is distressed, with Maxime stating the baby is his now and will be turned into a cockroach. Gru Jr. is later shown as a "cockroach baby" with glazed eyes.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe movie includes instances of disrespect and rebellious behavior, primarily from younger characters and Minions. A new character, Poppy, blackmails Gru and expresses disrespect towards older generations. The Minions frequently engage in mischievous and disobedient antics, and Gru's adopted daughter Agnes initially refuses to lie, even under parental instruction, due to her moral conviction.
Poppy blackmails Gru into helping her steal from a villainous school, threatening to expose his identity. Poppy also makes a dismissive comment about Gru's generation, stating, "I don't respect [Baby] Boomers. I just mock them." Agnes, Gru's adopted daughter, refuses to use a pseudonym because "we aren't supposed to lie," despite Gru's attempts to reframe it as "high-stakes pretending."
Profanity
LowNo overt crude or profane language is used in the film. The language primarily consists of mild insults and name-calling. There are some instances where words might sound suggestive due to pronunciation or context, and a few instances of toilet humor-related verbalizations.
Milder insults and name-calling such as "idiot," "sourpuss," and "loser" are heard. One woman yells "oh strudel" with a heavy German accent, which is noted to sound briefly like it's going in a more profane direction.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThe film does not contain any explicit witchcraft or occult themes. The villain's transformation into a cockroach monster and his ability to transform others with a "cockroach gun" are presented as scientific or evolutionary mutations rather than magical or supernatural occurrences. There are no mentions of spells, rituals, demons, or other occult practices.
Maxime Le Mal transforms into a "human-sized cockroach with superpowers," which is explained as an evolutionary advance rather than magic. He also uses a special "cockroach gun" to transform several other characters into mind-controlled cockroach hybrids, an act depicted as a technological/biological manipulation.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe film does not contain any anti-Christian themes. Instead, it promotes a strong moral and pro-family worldview, with Gru protecting his family and working for justice. One review highlights the film's positive messages about parenting and love, drawing parallels to divine love, suggesting alignment with Christian values rather than opposition.
The movie emphasizes a "strong moral, pro-family worldview," showcasing Gru's role as a protective father working for justice and promoting the redemption of villains. An analysis notes that Gru's parental love, especially when allowing his son agency even if it could cause him harm, reflects a "powerful reflection of God's love for us."
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Recommended for ages 7+. The film is rated PG for action and rude humor. While offering positive family themes, some scenes involve moderate cartoon violence, the menacing appearance and actions of the villain (including transformation into a cockroach monster and kidnapping of a baby), and instances of crude humor that may be too intense or confusing for children younger than 7. Older children are more likely to understand the comedic context and abstract nature of the threats.
Additional Notes
The film maintains the established tone and humor of the Despicable Me franchise, with a focus on family bonds and comedic villainy. While it has a PG rating, parents of very young or sensitive children should review the specific concerns, particularly regarding scary content and crude humor, to determine suitability for their individual child. The movie's runtime is 94 minutes.
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