It looks like Universal finally discovered what people want, and that is MORE MINIONS!

The endearingly silly yellow guys, who stole “Despicable Me” (2010) are back and better than ever in this year’s sequel “Despicable Me 2.” They not only have more screen time in this film, but are also involved in a lot of the movie’s main action. While the original film is still my favorite of the series, “Despicable Me 2” certainly holds its own and reminds us why we love this cute little story about a man who just wants to be a great dad to his three girls.

Not to mention, it is a film that is for kids and adults. I don’t know about you, but as an adult, I still find myself laughing over the fart gun.

Since we last left him, Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) is officially a changed man…err retired villain. Instead of plotting his latest sinister heist, he is now planning Agnes’, one of his adopted daughter’s, fairy princess birthday party.

He has also turned his evil laboratory into a jam-making facility, leaving Dr. Nefario (Russell Brand) in charge of concocting a tasty recipe. The only thing missing from Gru’s new life is a lady. The girls try to sign him up for online dating, but he is reluctant to put himself out there after a childhood full of rejection.

Gru’s reluctance for dating continues until he meets Lucy (Kristen Wiig), an agent with the Anti-Villain League (AVL), who uses her lipstick Taser to quickly recruit him as an advisor for the secret organization. The AVL protects the world from major villainous plots. For example, they are less concerned about a small car robbery and more concerned about the pyramids being stolen. The AVL is currently investigating which super-villain stole a purple substance that transforms nice animals (and possibly minions) into nasty purple-colored eating machines.

When the League tracks the villain to a mall, it is up to Gru and Lucy to assimilate with fellow store owners and figure out who has the potion. Does Gru finally have an ally/girlfriend in Lucy or will his villainous past turn her away?

Steve Carell and Kristen Wiig are of course fantastic and hilarious in their roles. Even in animated movies, the two show they are comedic geniuses. I’m just happy I didn’t have to wait until Anchorman 2, which comes out later this year, to see these two together. While Carell and Wiig were awesome, the best part of this film is the minions. They are hilarious little creatures that give as many laughs to kids as they do adults. I appreciate that the filmmakers recognized how popular the minions were after the first film, and gave them more screen time in this one.

“Despicable Me 2” is definitely a film that kids and adults will enjoy. It’s a funny, sweet, and satisfying sequel that shows a zebra can change its stripes. Plus, with the influx of minion screen time, I’m even more excited for the upcoming prequel, “Minions” (December 2014), which will feature the voices of Sandra Bullock and Jon Hamm. Also, if you’re seeing the film in 3D make sure you stay for the end credits. The minions do some special tricks to highlight the 3D technology.

RATING: B+

LAUREN BRADSHAW grew up in Courtland, graduated from Southampton Academy and doubled-majored in foreign affairs and history at the University of Virginia. She lives in the Washington, D.C., and can be reached at lnb5e@virginia.edu.