Despicable Me 2

Despicable Me 2 - 2013

Movie Info

Rating: PG

Age-appropriateness: The notion of “evil” is primary to the plot. Evil deeds are seen as positive, in a comedic sense. Immature, slapstick comedy. Cartoonish violence.

Overview: When Gru, the world's most super-bad turned super-dad has been recruited by a team of officials to stop lethal muscle and a host of Gru's own, He has to fight back with new gadgetry, cars, and more minion madness. Gru has to learn how to balance his career with his family priorities. He navigates a dating relationship of his own while his daughters continue to mature and his work gets crazy busy.

Themes: evil, family, parenting, relationships/dating, heroes, work-life balance, justice, active listening, compassion, empathy

The Quick 3

Ask these quick questions to hit the major themes of the film.

1. Evil. Why do you think evil people do bad things? Have you ever decided to do something bad, even though you knew it was wrong?

Gru is recruited by the AVF (Anti-Villain League) to stop super-villains around the world. Gru was once a bad guy, so he knew how bad guys operated and he was, perhaps, the very best person to stop them.

2. Active Listening. When your friend is sad, how can you follow Agnes’ approach of being present, listening, and then asking what they need? Does that differ from your typical response to someone being upset?

When she sees that Gru is sad, Agnes simply asks 2 questions: “Is there anything I can do to help?” and “Is there anything you could do?”. First of all, Agnes is present and available when Gru needs her. She then is a great listener. Once he tells her what’s wrong, she doesn’t immediate offer advice or talk about herself, instead she simply asks what support looks like to him.

3. Protection/Justice. How do you feel about the men and women that we trust to keep us safe and peaceful? Have you expressed gratitude to those people lately?

The AVF is the “Anti-Villain League”, an ultra-secret organization dedicated to fighting crime on a global scale. Our world also has organizations that try to stop bad guys all over the world. Isaiah 26:3 says: "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!"

After The Movie Discussion Guide

Follow this 5-10 minute discussion guide to drive an in-depth conversation.

1. Parent self-evaluation: Gru has to balance his job with raising his girls. The work-life balance can be very tricky. In our lives, our relationship with God must come first. Then, if applicable, our relationship with our spouses needs to be the second priority. And then kids are third. Everything else in our life (our job, friends, hobbies, extended family, etc.), even though they are good things, must be a lower priority than the first 3. How would you evaluate your current work-life balance? What about all of the other priorities in life? What thing is probably taking more of your attention than it should?

2. Gru is recruited by the AVF (Anti-Villain League) to stop super-villains around the world. Gru was once a bad guy, so he knew how bad guys operated and he was, perhaps, the very best person to stop them. Why do you think evil people do bad things? Have you ever decided to do something bad, even though you knew it was wrong?

Parent resource: How to Talk to Your Kids About Satan/Evil

3. Margo, Edith, and Agnes were adopted by Gru. What questions do you have about kids that are adopted or are in foster homes? What do you think the girls are feeling, now that they’ve been adopted?

Parent resource: How to Talk to Your Child About Vulnerable Children (Adoption/Foster Care)

4. Gru enters the parenting world of his oldest daughter, Margo, wanting to start dating boys. What character traits do you think Margo should look for in a boy she wants to date? When beginning any relationship, what are some things that you want the other person to have?

Minute By Minute Guide

Use this break down of the entire movie in addition to the “After the Movie” discussion guide. Great for repeat viewings.

:06 Agnes’ birthday party. What’s the best birthday party you’ve ever had or been to? Do you think your dad would dress up like a fairy princess for your birthday?

:13 The AVF is the “Anti-Villain League”, an ultra-secret organization dedicated to fighting crime on a global scale. Our world also has organizations that try to stop bad guys all over the world. Isaiah 26:3 says: "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" How do you feel about the men and women that we trust to keep us safe and peaceful? Have you expressed gratitude to those people lately?

:17 Gru tried to do something nice for a girl by getting her a flower. All of the kids on the playground weren’t nice to him. Have you ever tried to do something nice for someone, but it wasn’t received well? What were you feeling in that moment?

:32 Agnes gets upset because she doesn’t have a mom. Moms can be wonderful, but not every child has one, for a variety of reasons. Is there something most other kids have that you don’t, and you wished you did?

:43 Agnes makes a wish in the wishing well. The girls are hoping that Gru ends up marrying Lucy. If you had one wish right now that you’d like to come true, what would it be?

:58 Gru and Lucy’s work assignment ends and they discuss the news of her transferring to Australia. Gru is upset and sad. Have you ever lost a friend before? What was that like?

1:00 When she sees that Gru is sad, Agnes simply asks 2 questions: “Is there anything I can do to help?” and “Is there anything you could do?”. First of all, Agnes is present and available when Gru needs her. She then is a great listener. Once he tells her what’s wrong, she doesn’t immediate offer advice or talk about herself, instead she simply asks what support looks like to him. When your friend is sad, how can you follow Agnes’ approach of being present, listening, and then asking what they need? Does that differ from your typical response to someone being upset?

1:27 Gru saves Lucy from the rocket going into the volcano. When there was nothing she could do to save herself, Gru put himself in harm’s way so she might continue to have life. Because of our mistakes, our sins, there’s nothing we can do to save ourselves from the punishment we deserve. And our sins lead to death. However, Jesus came to bring us life! No matter what we do, we cannot save ourselves from the mistakes we’ve made – but Jesus put himself in harm’s way to save us, all because he loves us so much. Now, instead of getting the big-time punishment we deserve, we get to live forever in a perfect place called heaven – all because of Jesus! What are some of the mistakes you’ve made? How does it feel to know God loves you and forgives you?

1:29 Gru and Lucy get married. God says the celebration of his family in heaven is kind of like a wedding feast. At a wedding, two families come together to celebrate a newly married couple and there is fun, food, and dancing. Describe the best party ever. Who would be there and what would you be doing? (Now consider the fact that the party you described will be a million times better in heaven!)