With thanks to the folks at Universal Pictures Ireland I’m proud to show an exclusive inside look  (at least to Ireland) at the new animated movie Despicable Me.

The film follows Gru (voiced by Steve Carell), an seemingly ordinary guy, with a penchant for cunning and devious plans. A man constantly scheming and dreaming up new ways to inflict pain and suffering on others, but who always comes off second best to his rival Vector (Jason Segal). Armed with his loyal minions he concocts a master plan to steal the moon itself, but before he can go through with his horrible deed his life takes a sudden turn.  A trio of orphan girls appear on his doorstep and Gru soon becomes a surrogate father. Will it change him, will he become a better man, or will he just crack….

With a voice cast that boasts Russell Brand, Julie Andrews, Will Arnett and Kristen Wiig, in addition to Carell and Segal, and with gorgeous animation from Illumination Entertainment (set-up by former heads of Fox and Dreamworks Animation), this has pedigree. It also appears to have a delightful touch of whimsy, necessary to pull off its premise. And those minions are just great.

The movie is out October 15th in Ireland and so far it is looking like a winner.