The kids' comedy that will make you want to hold a family movie night.

Friday night is movie night in our household. Everyone takes turns picking a movie, we make popcorn, dim the lights, set ourselves up on the couch and the kids are allowed to stay up later than their usual weeknight bedtime. 

It all sounds like wholesome family fun, right? But there’s just one sticking point… That whole 'someone chooses a movie' part can turn into a near riot. With a strong-willed seven-year-old and an even stronger-willed five-year-old, the debate over what movie to watch can get intense.

So, you can imagine I breathed a massive sigh of relief when the new Despicable Me 4 recently became available to buy and rent at home, because any Despicable Me movie is something my crew will always agree on.

You’d have to be living under a Minion-shaped rock to not know about this movie franchise. Created by Illumination Studios, the first Despicable Me movie was released in 2010 and instantly captivated the young and the young at heart. Since then, there have been sequels and Minions movie spin-offs — all featuring the characters we know and love. 

Watch a clip from Despicable Me 4 here. Post continues after video.

So, what’s in store for the latest instalment? 

Seven years after the last Despicable Me instalment, Despicable Me 4 takes us back to the world of Gru, voiced by the incomparable Steve Carell. Our favourite supervillain-turned-anti-villain league agent has undergone many personal changes over the course of the movies — and there’s another big one in store: he and his wife, Lucy, voiced by Bridesmaids star Kristen Wiig, have just had a baby.

Gru’s relationship with Lucy and their three adopted daughters, Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Madison Polan), is stronger than ever. But what the new dad can’t quite figure out is why his baby son, Gru Jr., wants nothing to do with him! Our leading man has quite the uphill battle ahead… but at least his well-trained Minions can change Gru Jr’s nappies in an efficient yet chaotic operation.

For parents watching this movie with their youngsters, there are many 'hard relate' moments as Gru struggles with the trials and tribulations of new parenthood. Oh, and the sight of the once-villainous Gru with a baby carrier strapped to his chest is a visual you’d never have expected if you’ve followed these movies from the beginning. 

As if parenting challenges weren’t enough, Gru now faces off against a new nemesis.

Image: Universal Pictures. 

At the start of the movie, we meet supervillain Maxime Le Mal, voiced by comedic genius Will Ferrell, after Gru orchestrates his arrest at a high school reunion. 

Maxime, along with his girlfriend Valentina, voiced by Sofia Vergara, then busts out of prison and hatches a deadly revenge plan against Gru and his family.

Fortunately, the anti-villain league gets wind of it, advising Gru, his family and their live-in Minions Kevin, Stuart and Bob to flee into a witness protection program.

They all relocate to the sunny, upmarket suburb of Mayflower and adopt brand new personas. Gru takes on the alias of a regular all-American dad, Chet Cunningham. Needless to say, his efforts to stay in character are highly amusing. 

Meanwhile, back at the anti-villain league headquarters, leader Silas Ramsbottom (Steve Coogan) has devised his own plan to capture the on-the-run villains. He selects five Minions to receive a super serum that gives them unique superpowers. Introducing the Mega Minions: There’s Mega Dave with super strength, the flying Mega Gus, Mega Tim with super stretchy limbs, Mega Mel that unleashes an unstoppable slicing laser and the boulder-like Mega Jerry who chows down on anything in his path.

And let me tell you, the scenes involving the Mega Minions were a huge hit with the kids. Because unlike your standard superhero movies, the Mega Minions' supreme powers cause nothing but delightful destruction. 

My kids were so inspired, they started dreaming up their own superpowers. One of my boys imagined having the ability to become invisible and pull pranks, while the younger one thought it would be cool to create chocolate out of thin air. Watching their creativity take off was incredible, all thanks to the Mega Minions. 

Image: Universal Pictures. 

I obviously won’t spoil the ending… but as a parent of younger primary school kids, I can assure you that while there are plenty of high-stakes moments, the peril isn’t too extreme for little minds. And of course, the Mega Minions make a much-welcomed final appearance!

Overall, it’s fun, adventurous, warm and everything you’d want for a family movie night in.

The only question is, how many times will your kids want to watch it at home on repeat? Because if my gang is any indication, the answer is: LOTS. 

Express from cinemas, Despicable Me 4 is now available to buy or rent at home.

Feature Image: Universal Pictures.