The film begins with the introduction of Gru (voiced by Steve Carell), a supervillain known for his diabolical schemes and nefarious inventions. Gru lives in a gloomy mansion with his army of Minions, small yellow creatures who assist him in his evil deeds.
Gru’s rival, Vector (voiced by Jason Segel), steals the Great Pyramid of Giza using a shrink ray, prompting Gru to devise a plan to steal the moon to regain his status as the world’s greatest villain. To do so, he needs a shrink ray, which he attempts to steal from Vector but is unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, three orphan girls named Margo (voiced by Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (voiced by Dana Gaier), and Agnes (voiced by Elsie Fisher) are in search of a new home. They end up selling cookies at Gru’s house, where they catch his attention.
Gru realizes that he can use the girls to infiltrate Vector’s fortress and steal the shrink ray. He adopts them from Miss Hattie’s Home for Girls and pretends to be a caring father to gain access to Vector’s lair. Despite initial reluctance, Gru begins to develop genuine affection for the girls.
As the plan unfolds, Gru and the girls encounter various obstacles and challenges, including navigating through Vector’s elaborate security system and dealing with the unpredictable Minions. Along the way, Gru learns important lessons about love, family, and the true meaning of being a parent.
In a climactic showdown, Gru confronts Vector and manages to retrieve the shrink ray with the help of the girls and the Minions. However, Vector captures the girls and holds them hostage, forcing Gru to choose between his dream of stealing the moon and saving the girls.
In a moment of selflessness, Gru sacrifices his ambitions and rescues the girls from Vector’s clutches. He realizes that his love for them is more important than any villainous scheme. Together, they thwart Vector’s plans and return home safely.
In the end, Gru decides to leave behind his life of villainy and embrace his new role as a loving father to Margo, Edith, and Agnes. He adopts the girls officially and begins a new chapter in his life filled with love, laughter, and redemption.
“Despicable Me” is praised for its heartwarming story, clever humor, and memorable characters, particularly the adorable Minions. It spawned a successful franchise with several sequels and spin-offs, cementing its place as a beloved animated classic.