This vid helps get started w/ Despicable Me@ www.rottentomatoes.com/m/despicable_me.

i. While "Despicable Me" is a globally loved animated franchise, it's interesting to note that the films don't explicitly state where Gru and his minions live! This adds to the whimsical and slightly fantastical feel of the series.

However, we can gather some clues from the films:

*General Location:* The films suggest that Gru lives in a suburban area, likely in the United States. The presence of malls, residential neighborhoods, and familiar landmarks points to an American setting.
*Possible Inspirations:* Some fans have speculated that the city Gru lives in might be loosely based on a combination of San Francisco and Los Angeles. There are scenes with steep hills reminiscent of San Francisco, while other scenes, like the mall in "Despicable Me 2," seem to be inspired by Venice, California.
*Fictional Elements:* Ultimately, the "Despicable Me" universe has a slightly exaggerated and cartoonish quality. The locations are likely a blend of real-world inspirations and fictional creations, designed to serve the story and humor of the films.

*Why the Ambiguity?*

The lack of a specific location might be intentional. By not anchoring the story to a particular city, the filmmakers can:

*Appeal to a wider audience:* Viewers from different countries can more easily relate to the story if it's not tied to a specific place.
*Maintain a sense of whimsy:* The slightly ambiguous setting adds to the fantastical and playful tone of the franchise.
*Avoid limiting the story:* The writers have more freedom to create new locations and scenarios without being constrained by the geography of a real city.

*In Conclusion:*

While we don't know the exact city where Gru and the Minions live, the "Despicable Me" films provide enough clues to suggest a suburban setting in the United States, with possible inspirations from cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. The ambiguity of the location adds to the charm and universal appeal of the franchise.