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(Funny, clever cartoon sequel)

Who said cartoon features were for kids?

We sat in a packed matinee showing of “Despicable Me 2,” where the adults drowned out the kids with their laughter. This is one funny movie that proves that good writing can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

The sequel comes only two years after “Despicable Me,” where we were introduced to the despicable Gru and his army of delightful yellow minions. The criminal genius ended up adopting the three orphan girls he coerced into helping him perform his dastardly deeds. Gru (voice of Steve Carell) is back, but this time he has reformed, lovingly caring for the children and using his minions to produce jelly for the masses.

Secret Agent Lucy Wilde (Kristen Wiig) kidnaps Gru, taking him to the secret hideout of Silas Ramsbottom, leader of the AVL (Anti Villain League). There’s a silly joke about his last name that the kids loved.

Some evil force has developed a serum that can change good to evil and must be stopped. Gru, Lucy and the minions search for the unknown villain, who is said to be working at the local mall, setting up a scenario that is filled with action and laugh-out-loud humor.

There are so many funny lines and scenes, some of which will go over the kids’ heads and will make the parents feel guilty about liking this silly cartoon so much. The minions are hysterically funny. Even the villain is a riot. And Gru shows his soft side, especially when his girls try to fix him up with Lucy.

The movie is in 3D, but you can enjoy the 2D version just as much. Stay for the credits for a few more laughs.

Rated PG, with a couple of scenes that may scare the little ones and a couple of jokes that are a bit on the crude side.