Despicable Me any excuse for air conditioning will do. So it's a happy bonus to find that "Despicable Me" is more than just a heat-busting baby-sitter." James Berardinelli of "ReelViews" gave the film three out of four stars, saying, "This is a smartly written comedy with a soft emotional core." Kyle Smith of the "New York Post" gave the film three out of four stars, saying, ""Despicable Me" may not be the most sophisticated kids movie ever, but it stacks up against recent animated fare like "How To Train Your Dragon" the way The New York Review of Books compares to "USA
Despicable Me (franchise) rival, to shrink and steal the Earth's moon. "Despicable Me" received positive reviews, and grossed over $543 million worldwide, against a budget of $69 million, launching a new franchise. A sequel, "Despicable Me 2", released on July 3, 2013, was once again directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud, and written by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio. Steve Carell, Russell Brand, Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier, and Elsie Fisher reprise their roles as Felonious Gru, Dr. Nefario, Margo, Edith and Agnes respectively. Kristen Wiig, who voiced Miss Hattie in the first film, voices Lucy Wilde, an agent of the Anti-Villain League