Despicable Me 3 (2017) * * *

Directed by:  Kyle Balda and Pierre Coffin

Voices of:  Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Trey Parker, Russell Brand, Steve Coogan, Jenny Slate, Miranda Cosgrove, Julie Andrews

I looked back and saw I did not review the first two Despicable Me films, although I saw them and enjoyed them both.    I would give three stars to each, the first one for its sly humor and the introduction of the Minions, the second one for much of the same reason, although the Minions begin to grow a bit tiresome, and now this third installment, which is filled with 80s references and some humor the adults will like more than the kids.    The kids are more interested in the Minions, who at least are reined in somewhat here.

As Despicable Me 3 opens, former supervillain Gru (Carell) turned superagent, along with his now superagent wife Lucy (Wiig), nearly captures an 80's child TV star turned grown-up villain Balthazar Bratt (Parker) and a large diamond he stole for nefarious means.    He lets Bratt get away, which costs he and Lucy their jobs at the agency and bums out Gru's otherwise happy home with his three adopted girls.    One day, Gru learns he has a twin brother he never met named Dru (also Carell) and is flown in on a private jet to meet him on his vast island of wealth and excess. 

Dru, like Gru, has a quasi-Peter Lorre accent, but unlike Gru has a tan and hair, but both have the unfortunate resemblance to Murnau's Nosferatu.    Dru is ecstatic to meet Gru, but more ecstatic to learn the family business of villainy, which Gru left behind in the first film.    Gru reluctantly, as he does most things, show Dru the ropes by hatching to steal the diamond back from Bratt,   Bratt is stuck in a 1980's time warp with his clothing, hair style, and catch phrases, leading to numerous pop culture references from the period which won't mean much to kids, but cause a recognizing smile in parents.

The Minions are part of a subplot in which they leave Gru because they want to be associated with a villain, but find themselves in the clink and longing for a reunion with their former boss.    The Minions are cute, but as we've learned over the course of three films and a standalone film, better in smaller doses.    The film is engaging enough while not being especially remarkable.   It is an animated adventure which dashes of sweetness and humor which makes it enjoyable.    To ask for more from Despicable Me 3 would be burdening it, and us.