If Martin Scorsese watched this film, he would surely yell, “Absolute bananas!”
The latest installment in the franchise, “Minions & Monsters,” is an absolute blast. It perfectly reignites the inner child—not just in children, but in adults too. As a grown-up, I was simply too happy watching this film on the big screen. As lighthearted as it is, it is also deeply meaningful, incredibly smart and very funny.
While the franchise is famous for its signature chaotic humor, this installment brings a massive amount of genuine love for Hollywood into the narrative. Moving the Minions into the late 1920s to navigate the transition from the silent era to “talkies” is a brilliant stroke of storytelling.
The film is exceptionally well-paced. It clocks in perfectly, never lingering too long on a gag and balancing the split narratives seamlessly without ever losing momentum.
The Hollywood nods scattered throughout are just bonkers. From the golden age studio lots to the classic monster movie tropes, I was absolutely thrilled the entire time. It’s a sure-shot trip combining all things classic cinema with all things Minion.
What truly elevates this movie are the characters. James and Henry, in particular, feel surprisingly layered. Their friendship gives the film its emotional anchor, making their indie-filmmaking journey alongside the chaotic Goomi feel meaningful rather than just a series of slapstick sketches.
A massive amount of credit goes to Director Pierre Coffin, who manages to ground this chaotic, world-ending orange blob monster plot with real heart while keeping the physical comedy sharp.
The animation team at Illumination outdoes itself here with the visual contrast between the bright, glamorous 1920s Hollywood aesthetic and the classic, atmospheric monster-movie elements, which is striking. This is tied together by razor-sharp editing that keeps the comedic timing immaculate and incredible performances from the voice artists who manage to evoke genuine emotion and hilarious distinct personalities out of what is essentially gibberish.
Going to see this one is a total no-brainer. It proves that a movie can be completely ridiculous and satirical on the surface while remaining a beautifully crafted, affectionate tribute to the magic of filmmaking.
