Directed by Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud. Voices of Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews, Will Arnett, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier, Elsie Fisher, Danny McBride G cert, gen release, 95mins

BETWEEN The Incredibles, Kick-Assand at least a dozen other titles, we've all gleaned quite enough about the secret life of superheroes. By now, having watched them go to school, work in offices and battle hemorrhoids, there's literally no dignity, let alone novelty, left for the square-jawed knight in a cape. Who, we cry, will bother watching the watchmen?

Happily, this 3D animation heralds a new dawn for the super- villain, and for comic juxtaposition. Shielded by an army of cutesy-pie minions and comforted by a panda rug on the floor, Gru (Steve Carell) makes for a cruel, fearsome figure until a younger, wickeder villain threatens to eclipse all known maniacal feats by making off with one of the pyramids.

Realising that he’s got to pull off one last big score or forever listen to the ranting of his shrill, permanently disappointed mother (Julie Andrews), Gru resolves to steal the moon. He’s even prepared to adopt three orphan girls if it allows the plan to come together.

But will his new ragamuffin charges (including i-Carly's Miranda Cosgrove) soften Gru up before he can get his mitts on earth's most prominent satellite? Could he wind up plumping for the junior ballet recital over world domination?

Jollied along by a dark glee that might have gladdened the late Roald Dahl, the film-makers may not have Pixar's resources but they do have a funny screenplay, imaginative designs and an excellent vocal turn from Carell. The results play out the same trajectory found in Bad Santaor As Good as It Getsas a winning all-ages entertainment. Smaller viewers can look forward to tomfoolery; larger ones can take reassurance from a game voice cast drawn from the ranks of Saturday Night Live and the Judd Apatow locker-room.

Commendably, Despicable Meeven manages to wring some fun out of its 3D presentation. Who wants an invisible, immersive experience when you can have a full-blown rollercoaster simulation? Evil is the new good. Who knew?