Despicable Me 2’s
soundtrack is just as good as the film itself. The film came out in 2013,
winning three awards and receiving 39 nominations. The three awards that this
film won were all for its music. Moreover, out of the 39 nominations it
received, three of them were for its music as well, including an Oscar
nomination. The directors’ choice in
music for their film could not have been more fitting to not only its scenes,
but also to its audience.
One of the songs
utilized in the film was “Cielito Lindo” by Quirino Mendoza. This song choice
enabled the film’s ability to persuade its audience by portraying ethos, logos
and pathos. During the scene in which this song was played, the villain, El
Macho, shows his Latin side by dancing with a woman at his Mexican restaurant.
Consequently, the use of ethos and logos in the scene are evident. The song is
not only well known by Latinos, but also by Americans. The fame of this song
therefore gives credibility and authenticity to the Latin roots of the
character, making his origins obvious to the audience. “Certain kinds of music
can suggest locales, classes, or ethnic groups.” (Giannetti, 214) Being from
Mexico myself, I was surprised when I heard the song in this scene, because
even though the directors could have chosen any song in Spanish, they took the
time to find a song that is a part of Mexico’s culture, as well as being identifiable
in the U.S. The use of pathos can also be perceived from the use of this song
in the scene, because it helps the audience know that the scene is meant to be
funny. If there was no music playing while the villain was dancing, it would
not only be harder for the directors to let their audience know the origin of
the character, but it would also be harder for them to make the audience
laugh.
Another
song used in this film is “Y.M.C.A.” performed by the minions. The group
Village People recorded the original song in 1978. Even though this song was
released 36 years ago, it is still popular in most parts of the world today. In
Despicable Me 2, the “Y.M.C.A.” song
is used for Gru and Lucy’s wedding party scene. Choosing a well-known song that is also a
popular wedding party song was a good use of ethos and logos. It was evident to
the audience that the scene was a wedding party, and that the song was adequate
for it. Furthermore, the fact that the minions performed the song was an
apparent use of pathos because it made the scene hilarious.
The
selection of voices for Despicable Me 2’s
characters imply that the directors were trying to direct their film towards a
broad audience. Although animation films are usually targeted at children, the
cast for this film suggests a broader age range. Some of the actors in this
film include Ken Jeong from The Hangover,
Russell Brand, Steve Carell and Kristen Wigg.
“Mainstream animation films, ostensibly aimed at children, often attract
adults as well, in part because the characters are voiced by well-known
Hollywood stars.” (DreamWorks Animation SKG)
As
a true fan of the Despicable Me movies,
Despicable Me 2's soundtrack was not
disappointing. They used old and current songs, which made the movie appealing
to various age groups, while also managing to make anyone who was listening, and
watching laugh. I give this soundtrack
five well-deserved slurpies.
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