One time watch for some genuine laughs

'Despicable Me 3' - The third film of this successful franchise comes this summer with the family of Gru, his wife Lucy and the three lovely daughters. Not to forget the wild Minions who are the reason why people will flock to the theatres. There are however two main additions to the cast - Dru who is Gru's twin brother and the film's main highlight - the antagonist Balthazar Bratt, a person who prefers having dance offs to famous pop tracks of the 80's. His antics along with the Minions' charades bring the house down with some genuine laughs. Even Gru has some moments of hilarity with his twin but somewhere the film doesn't feel complete like it did so seven and four years ago - parts one and two respectively.

The film could have worked more on the relationship between Gru and his daughters or perhaps we saw way too less of the Minions. The animation was good, the pace was fine but its not a film that by the end of it we would be awed by it. This is a one time watch and its a bit of a disappointment going by the franchise's story curves.

P.S. - The minions in jail and Balthazar's entry are worth watching.

6/10 

Wonder Woman redeems DC Extended Universe

'Wonder Woman' - We had all seen this iconic character come alive on the big screen last year in an extended appearance of a disappointing film and she was probably the best thing about that bummer of a film. DC Extended Universe has decided to keep things simple and add entertainment which makes this solo film of a leading lady surprisingly a very good watch. Gal Gadot has given a very impressive performance and holds the film strongly on her shoulders. She rocks totally in the action sequences and is incredibly funny when enters a 'hideous' London. Her chemistry with Chris Pine is a major highlight of this simple, entertaining superhero film. Chris Pine too gives a fantastic act and her encounters and adventures with Gal Gadot throughout the film are nothing short of thrilling, funny and emotional.

Director Patty Jenkins has done a brilliant job by not following the normal DC route of making stories dark and complicated. There is freshness in the screenplay, a detour from the previous films of DC Extended Universe (Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad) and perhaps it is redeeming itself to compete with the blockbusters of Marvel Cinematic Universe. The visual effects are neat and the choreography of the action sequences is smartly done. Things get a bit loud towards the climatic battle but nevertheless Gal Gadot wonders us all with her screen presence.

P.S. -  The film 'Justice League' coming this winter looks promising if DC Extended Universe prefers not to complicate the screenplay.

8/10