‘DESPICABLE ME 3’ new trailer is legitimately funny. Yes, really.

Courtney Howard // Film Critic

While the first trailer for DESPICABLE ME 3 relied very heavily on 80’s references and stupid pratfalls, the film’s second trailer gifts us all with something that’s way better – a hint at a potentially great film from Illumination Entertainment. I’ve never been one to praise their work – which almost constantly chooses lazy gags and tired stories over genuine heart and smart jokes – but the third film in their DESPICABLE ME franchise looks as if it might usher in a change to their typical way of storytelling.

In addition to the 80’s themed villain causing mayhem, Gru (voiced by Steve Carrell) is going through a crisis of his own – whether or not he should return to villainy after a few years of going straight. Domesticity ain’t payin’ the bills. His wealthy, debonair twin brother Dru (also voiced by Carrell) is the devil on Gru’s shoulder urging him to return to the glory days. Gru’s minions are also in favor of this decision. See their poster board signs and very convincing arguments as proof. Those minions are VERY persuasive.

I’d be a liar if I told you I didn’t laugh during this trailer. I admittedly laughed a record three times, solidifying this as a sure-fire hit. The absurdity levels are cranked high which in turn helps to make these legitimately funny jokes land with grace – or as much grace as Gru can ever have. It bodes well that the narrative isn’t as reliant on references as the first trailer made it out to be.

DESPICABLE ME 3 – which should really be called DESPICABLE M3 – opens on June 30.