Movie review: 'Despicable Me' franchise has run its course | ABS-CBN

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Movie review: 'Despicable Me' franchise has run its course

Movie review: 'Despicable Me' franchise has run its course

Fred Hawson

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This current film is the third feature film of the "Despicable Me" franchise that carried its name since the first film in 2010 and its sequel in 2013. There is a spin-off prequel about the lovable Minions in 2015. I admit that I am not exactly a fan of the Minions, or the franchise itself as a whole. For me, they can be occasionally cute, but oftentimes exasperating.

Gru is now a member of the Anti-Villain League and is tasked to apprehend Balthazar Bratt, a mullet-sporting ex-child star of the 1980s who turned to crime when his showbiz career went south. But when Bratt escapes capture, Gru and wife Lucy are unceremoniously fired from AVL by their new boss. Gru receives an invitation from his richer, more easy-going, long-lost twin brother Dru to visit his house. There, Dru tempts Gru to return to his villainous ways.

Steve Carrell does double time work in this film voicing both Gru and his twin Dru. Of course, there is an extra challenge to give each brother a distinct personality. Gru is as efficient and no-nonsense as ever. Dru, on the other hand, is new at the heist business so we have fun watching him bungle up Gru's carefully laid out plans. Some times I felt they are trying to hard to be funny in these scenes, leading to an overstuffed middle section.

Gru's relationship with his daughters was my favorite aspect of the first two "Despicable Me" films. However, in this one, it takes a back seat to Lucy's efforts to become a mother to the girls. I am not really feeling any chemistry between Gru and Lucy (voiced by Kristen Wiig). In fact, the girls themselves do not get to do much here, but the danger they faced in the endgame can be very scary for young viewers, hence the PG rating. I did find dear little Agnes' quest for a real unicorn cute and delightful.

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The new villain Balthazar Bratt (voiced by "South Park" co-creator Trey Parker) is very annoying in the way he acts and the way he looks, but I actually enjoyed his pathologically anal attachment to the music and fashion of the 1980s. This caused the film's soundtrack to be replete with 1980s pop hits, like "Bad," "Take On Me," "99 Luftballons," and "Into the Groove," all infectiously primed to be sang-along to by the parents in the audience.

In this film, the Minions become bored of being goody-goody so they stage a walk-out of sorts against Gru. In so doing, they will be featured in their own story arc apart from Gru and Dru as they seek out their own criminal adventure and land in prison. The kids in the audience could not stop snickering when they hear the Minions' absurd language. For me though, I can't help but feel that this joke was being stretched out too long. I know I am in the minority with this unpopular opinion about those yellow sidekicks.

I personally feel that the story of Gru has already run its course, and is on its last legs. This installment was just okay, and you can feel that they tried hard to cram in a lot of odds and ends just to liven up the comedy but with mixed results. With a sequel coming up in 2020, I guess the Minions will be outliving Gru in popular culture, whether I like them or not. 6/10

This review was originally published in the author's blog, "Fred Said."

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Master Hanz Cua Daily Feng Shui Predictions for February 17, 2025

Master Hanz Cua Daily Feng Shui Predictions for February 17, 2025

Master Hanz Cua

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Updated Feb 17, 2025 07:19 AM PHT

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In this daily series, Master Hanz Cua gives us his feng shui predictions on how to rock your day through aspects of Love, Health, Career, and Wealth. He shares details such as your lucky time, direction, colors, and numbers, and even gives Feng Shui advice to help you maximize your luck for the day.



RAT

Love: Make saying "I love you" a ritual without hesitation.

Career: Exercise in the morning to boost energy levels.

Wealth: Research before buying important equipment or machinery.

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Lucky Direction: Northeast

Lucky Time: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM 

Lucky Color: Green

Lucky Number: 1

Feng Shui Advice: Use phoenix decor in the business area for rebirth energy. Avoid negative energy and stress! Master Hanz Cua can guide your health luck.

OX

Love: Being open-minded will bring a new perspective to love.

Health: Avoid extremely hot or cold food to protect your teeth.

Career: Avoid overspending on gadgets or new technology.

Wealth: Set aside a small amount for charitable donations, it has good karma.

Lucky Direction: South 

Lucky Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM 

Lucky Color: White 

Lucky Number: 7

Feng Shui Advice: Keep the plants watered to maintain good luck. Need clarity for your next career move? Get a tarot reading from Master Hanz Cua.

TIGER

Love: There will be healing from past relationship pains.

Health: Try adding more leafy greens to your meals.

Career: Look for a side job that matches your interests.

Wealth: Maintain honesty in financial dealings.

Lucky Direction: North 

Lucky Time: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Lucky Color: Pink 

Lucky Number: 6

Feng Shui Advice: Place a lotus flower in the living room for peace and harmony. Maximize your luck this February! Visit Master Hanz Cua for career, health, and wealth.".

RABBIT

Love: The support of your partner will bring new inspiration.

Health: Set aside time to unwind after a long day.

Career: Taking care of nature will also bring blessings to finances.

Wealth: Study about investment diversification.

Lucky Direction: Southwest 

Lucky Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM 

Lucky Color: Purple

Lucky Number: 9

Feng Shui Advice: Use beige in the living area for calm vibes. Love, career, health, or wealth—Master Hanz Cua can align all aspects of your life!

DRAGON

Love: It's a good time to plan your future together.

Health: Eat healthy snacks while working for extra energy.

Career: Try to start a business using local products.

Wealth: Set short-term and long-term financial goals.

Lucky Direction: Northwest 

Lucky Time: 12:00 NN to 2:00 PM

Lucky Color: Orange

Lucky Number: 4

Feng Shui Advice: Place wooden decor in the east to boost growth energy. Make sure February is full of luck! Get a Feng Shui consultation with Master Hanz Cua.

SNAKE

Love: There will be a new love from an unexpected person.

Health: Avoid excessive salt to prevent high blood pressure.

Career: Set aside money for upgrading skills or education.

Wealth: Save for a dream house or a big investment.

Lucky Direction: East 

Lucky Time: 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM 

Lucky Color: Gold

Lucky Number: 2

Feng Shui Advice: Keep the refrigerator full and clean to attract abundance. Confused about your relationship? Let Master Hanz Cua's tarot reading guide you!

HORSE

Love: Love deepens when you are true to yourself.

Health: Set aside time for family bonding to maintain emotional well-being.

Career: Expanding your network can open up financial opportunities.

Wealth: Allocate a budget for travel to relax and get inspired.

Lucky Direction: Southeast 

Lucky Time: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Lucky Color: Silver

Lucky Number: 8

Feng Shui Advice: Place a feng shui bell in the room for relaxation. No matter what your zodiac sign is, Master Hanz Cua has personalized tips for your success.

SHEEP

Love: A meaningful gesture will strengthen your bond.

Health: Don't always rush when eating; chew it well.

Career: Think of practical ways to earn while at home.

Wealth: Try the barter system to save on expenses.

Lucky Direction: West 

Lucky Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM 

Lucky Color: Yellow

Lucky Number: 3

Feng Shui Advice: Use crystal quartz in the study area for clarity. Avoid bad luck and illness in the family! Get a Feng Shui consultation with Master Hanz Cua.

MONKEY

Love: You will have a deeper appreciation for your partner's love.

Health: Maintain good sleep by following a regular sleep schedule.

Career: Allocate a budget for health insurance; it's an important investment.

Wealth: Look for grants or loans with low interest rates for the business.

Lucky Direction: Northeast

Lucky Time: 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM

Lucky Color: Red 

Lucky Number: 5

Feng Shui Advice: Place a yin-yang decor for balance in energy. The right lucky charm for you can only be found with Master Hanz Cua!

ROOSTER

Love: Be careful of the challenges that might cause misunderstanding.

Health: Drink green tea for its antioxidant benefits.

Career: Reinvest a portion of the profits back into the business for expansion.

Wealth: Plan a retirement fund for financial security in the future.

Lucky Direction: South 

Lucky Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM 

Lucky Color: White

Lucky Number: 7

Feng Shui Advice: Keep a fresh fruit bowl in the dining area as a symbol of prosperity. Luck is not just waited for. Look for it with Master Hanz Cua!

DOG

Love: Being consistent in love will bring joy and harmony.

Health: Don't ignore a runny nose or cough; get treated immediately.

Career: Look for ways to cut operational costs in the business.

Wealth: Don't be afraid to ask for advice from financial advisors.

Lucky Direction: North 

Lucky Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM 

Lucky Color: Blue 

Lucky Number: 6

Feng Shui Advice: Place a fire element candle in the business for success. New job? New love? Align your stars with Master Hanz Cua’s astrology advice.

PIG

Love: A fun outing will provide thrills and bonding moments.

Health: Regularly stretch to avoid back pain.

Career: Don't delay paying your debts to maintain a good credit score.

Wealth: Invest in technology to speed up work.

Lucky Direction: Southwest 

Lucky Time: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Lucky Color: Pink 

Lucky Number: 9

Feng Shui Advice: Gumamit ng white noise machine sa kwarto para sa peaceful sleep. Tunay na swerte ang dala ng tamang Feng Shui! Magpa-consult na kay Master Hanz Cua.


For more information, visit Master Hanz Cua's Facebook Page.

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