Despicable Me (2010, U.S.)

Despicable Me was a very strange movie. A super villain named Gru loses his place as the world's worst villain, replaced by a nerdy kid who goes by Vector, smart smart but not world-smart. To break into his arch-enemy's lair, he adopts three girls from an orphanage that sells cookies so that they can infiltrate Vector's fortress.

I wish they had focused more on Gru doing despicable things at the beginning. I loved watching him waltz into Starbucks and using a freeze gun to cut in front of everyone in line. I guess this was the kind of movie that's made for plot rather than character development, but with such a good lead character, it's a shame they didn't spend more time on him. (Side note: why are villains always eastern European? What stereotyping!) I also loved his minions, who were adorable and hilarious.

I don't often notice sets unless they're really out of the ordinary, but the "sets" in this were awesome, especially in the two villains' lairs. The furniture, technology, built-in shark tanks, weapon systems, and more were really cool. This definitely couldn't have been pulled this off in a live-action film. Gru's big dark house in an otherwise cookie cutter neighborhood also gave me a laugh.

The use of Pharrell Williams as a composer was an interesting addition to the movie. It varied in feel from serious spy to goofy and then a combination of the two, plus some weirdly unexpected R&B. The title song, "Despicable Me," was awesome. So awesome that I want to download it and make it my personal theme song.

Rating: 3.5

It's Complicated (2009, U.S.)

Jake and Jane, a couple that's been divorced for a decade really reunites at their son's graduation, despite the fact that the man is remarried to a younger woman. Surprisingly, the affair goes on. Meanwhile, Jane also finds herself attracted to Adam, an architect who's remodeling her kitchen and is very passionate about his work.

This has to be the most unique romantic comedy of all time, and it was absolutely hilarious. Not only were Baldwin and Streep funny, but the rest of the cast, especially the daughter's husband Harley (John Krasinski), was funny too.

It has a kind of amusing suspense as you wait to see whether the children will find out, whether Jake or Adam will find out about each other, and ultimately who Jane will pick.

I loved the ending, and I loved having a romantic comedy that said you don't need a man to be happy. What an interesting breath of fresh air.

Rating: 4.0