Stars including Steve Carell, Jason Segel, and Julie Andrews made an appearance on the one-of-a-kind yellow carpet outside L.A. Live's Nokia Theater. Among the younger faces were Miranda Cosgrove (iCarly) and Rico Rodgriguez (Modern Family), while a number of celebrities such as Noah Wyle brought along their families.
The film opens with the realization that, due to a certain super villain's grand scheme, what was once the Great Pyramid of Giza is now nothing but a phony pyramid filled air that is doomed to deflate and cause world panic (Ponzi anyone?).
Now in fierce competition and desperately trying to save his reputation as the world's greatest super-villain, Gru (Carell) plots his most ambitious ploy yet: to steal the moon. Along with his army of comical minions, our evil "protagonist" sets out to conquer the moon, adopting three little girls along the way in order to resourcefully execute his plan. He will all too soon realize the obstacles the girls create for him.
The film, produced by Chris Melendandri, offers humor and entertainment for all ages. Of course the flick has its fair share of low comedy fart jokes that only your 7 year old will appreciate, but that's not to say there aren't also moments of pause that will go over your kid's head (Gru's preferred accounts preside in the "Bank of Evil, formerly Lehman Brothers").
Along with stunning visual artwork, vibrant 3-D effects, and a masterful score by none other than Pharell Williams and music producer Hans Zimmer, the movie offers a bit of magic—a break from reality,if you will—where anything is possible, including stealing the moon. It also communicates those tender themes both kids and adults so often need to be reminded of, from the sliver of goodness in everyone to the importance of family.
The film hits theaters July 9. Check out more pictures from the event below...
