In the last 14 years, Gru has certainly been through a lot. The reformed super villain put aside his dastardly ways to become a family man, and now sits pretty with three “gworls”, a wife, and a bouncing baby boy. Life couldn’t be better for the bald-headed former bad guy, but some habits die hard. Such as the desire to embarrass his villain school rival causing said rival to swear revenge against Gru and his entire family, forcing them into their most frightening challenge yet: Life in the suburbs.

Taking the socially awkward Gru and placing him in scenarios where he has to act like a bumbling sitcom dad is a fine premise for the fourth instalment in the Despicable Me franchise. Unfortunately the movie compounds the conceit by adding Gru’s desire to connect with his newborn, as well as turning the moronic minions into superheroes. There’s also the neighbour’s daughter, whom Gru takes under his wing to teach her his ways of thievery and deception.

Too much story spoils the cinematic experience, especially when the film grinds to a halt just to give the minions an opportunity to spout mindless jabber and engage in antics. It can’t be understated what a blight the minions are to the senses, but credit where credit is due: their newfound abilities give the movie a chance to showcase some slick animation and, admittedly, laughs. However, this doesn’t change the fact that Despicable Me 4 lacks a sense of necessity. Nothing that occurs in the film feels very consequential, and despite seemingly taking the characters in new directions, it ultimately feels like more of the same.

I can’t say I would ever watch this film of my own volition, but I must admit it’s not exactly made with me in mind. For the intended audience, they’re sure to be pleased paying full price, or at least asking their parents to. For myself, there’s enough to enjoy to warrant seeing it in the cinema, but only at a discount. A few roller coaster sequences are genuinely entertaining, and for the target audience of kids in 4DX cinema, it was a thoroughly engaging experience from start to finish.

Rating: Half Price

Damian Levy is a film critic and podcaster for Damian Michael Movies. entertainment@gleanerjm.com

Story: Saloni Bagga (Triptii Dimri) gets pregnant with twins conceived through a rare phenomenon, heteropaternal superfecundation, which means there are two biological dads. In a hilarious rivalry, the would-be papas compete to win her heart and fatherhood. Whom will she choose?

Review: In the laugh riot that comes after Good Newwz (2019), Saloni Bagga dreams of culinary stardom and resists her mother’s marriage pressure until a whirlwind romance and marriage with Akhil Chaddha (Vicky Kaushal). While she craves career glory, her husband longs for a family, as his carefree attitude creates friction in their relationship. An incident throws her dreams and job into disarray, forcing them to acknowledge their incompatibility. Divorce ensues, and Saloni seeks a fresh start in Mussourie. There, she has a one-night stand with her boss, Gurbir Pannu (Ammy Virk).

Fate throws another curveball: Akhil reappears, and on the same night, things get tangled again. Six weeks later, a bombshell drops—Saloni’s pregnant with twins, and a paternity test reveals both Akhil and Gurbir are fathers! This unexpected twist sets the stage for a side-splitting battle between the two men, each vying for Saloni’s love and a shot at fatherhood.

Two heroes in a comedic duel for the heroine feels like a familiar rom-com setup. The plot might not surprise you, but the film shines in its outrageous humour. While the script and screenplay remain on uneven ground, director Anand Tiwari and writers Tarun Dudeja and Ishita Moitra understand that laughter is the key ingredient. Jokes and one-liners (by Dudeja) pepper the narrative, ensuring you’ll chuckle even after a supposedly serious scene. The film feels light and breezy, with the cast seemingly having a blast themselves.

Highlights include hilarious self-referential jabs at Karan Johar, from Akhil’s (Vicky Kaushal) possessiveness over a Katrina Kaif poster to Gurbir’s deadpan declaration that he’s “no Manmarziyan’s Vicky Kaushal” (referencing another Kaushal rom-com). These playful nods at Bollywood tropes add another layer of amusement and will crack you up.

The film’s pacing suffers from a rushed first act, as Akhil and Saloni’s romance, marriage, and subsequent split feel underdeveloped. Similarly, Saloni’s fling with Gurbir lacks depth and is unconvincing. While the soundtrack boasts catchy tunes like Raula Raula, Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam, and Jaanam, their rapid-fire placement disrupts the narrative flow. Repetition in comedic situations and a predictable plot further hinder the film, especially in the second half, which feels overstretched.

Vicky Kaushal shines as the self-centred and loud Punjabi who eventually undergoes a satisfying character arc, learning to prioritise Saloni’s dreams. His impeccable comedic timing and energy are matched by Ammy Virk, who holds his own as Gurbir, the other more polished father figure in the chaotic equation. The best scenes are between the duo and their strong chemistry enables the comedy to roll out effectively. Triptii Dimri looks pretty and pulls off emotional scenes but struggles with comedy.

With a hilarious premise and two funny men, this one’s a laugh riot. Even when the plot takes a familiar turn and stretches, the witty dialogues and spot-on comedic timing from the cast ensure you’re consistently entertained.

Lou Dobbs, the veteran TV news host and conservative commentator, has died. He was 78.

Dobbs’ death was confirmed Thursday with posts on his social media accounts.

“Lou was a fighter till the very end — fighting for what mattered to him the most, God, his family and the country. Lou’s legacy will forever live on as a patriot and a great American. We ask for your prayers for Lou’s wonderful wife Deb, children and grandchildren.”

His death was first announced on Truth Social by former President Trump.

“The Great Lou Dobbs has just passed away,” Trump said Thursday. “A friend, and truly incredible Journalist, Reporter, and Talent. He understood the World, and what was ‘happening,’ better than others. Lou was unique in so many ways, and loved our Country. Our warmest condolences to his wonderful wife, Debi, and family. He will be greatly missed!”

In a Thursday statement to The Times, Fox News Media said it was “deeply saddened by the passing of Lou Dobbs.”

“An incredible business mind with a gift for broadcasting, Lou helped pioneer cable news into a successful and influential industry,” the statement said. “We are immensely grateful for his many contributions and send our heartfelt condolences to his family.”

No details about Dobbs’ cause of death were made immediately available, and a spokesperson for Dobbs did not immediately respond Thursday to The Times’ requests for comment.

Dobbs became a household name when he appeared on CNN when it launched in 1980. He abruptly quit on air in 2009 and became a mainstay on the Fox Business Network.

Former Fox Chief Executive Roger Ailes signed the former host to the cable network in 2011. Dobbs was the company’s most outspoken supporter of Trump’s economic and immigration policies. In the weeks after the 2020 election, he also expressed anger on his program that the Republican Party did not do more to act on the former president’s claims that the election was rigged in favor of President Biden.

In 2021, Fox News Media canceled his long-running Fox Business news show, “Lou Dobbs Tonight,” over his allegations of voter fraud, but the commentator remained under contract at the network.

Times staff writers Stephen Battaglio and Meg James contributed to this report.