Minions & Monsters is the chaotic, banana-fueled love letter to cinema that the franchise didn’t know it needed—until it delivered one of its most inventive and affectionate outings yet. Directed by Pierre Coffin (who also voices the irrepressible yellow horde), this 90-minute PG romp whisks us back to the roaring ’20s, where a fresh batch of Minions, including the ambitious James and Henry, chase their Hollywood dreams by hunting monsters for their very own creature feature. What starts as a meta tribute to silent films, slapstick legends, and studio-system absurdity spirals into monster-movie mayhem, complete with planet-saving heroics.
The film’s greatest strength lies in its second half, which feels freer and wilder than recent entries. Where it shines brightest for adult viewers (and this one in particular) is in the voice cast’s standout turns. Jesse Eisenberg absolutely kills it as Dort, bringing hilarious, deadpan energy to his B-movie robot antics in a side plot that adds delightful weirdness. Trey Parker is a revelation as Goomi—the adorably Lovecraftian green ghoulie, whose cute-yet-creepy vibe steals scenes and leaves you craving more. I wouldn’t mind seeing both Dort and Goomi return in future adventures; their dynamic with the Minions injects fresh personality into the formula. Zoey Deutch is also fantastic as Debbie, delivering warmth and charm that grounds some of the wilder antics.
I do feel though the story follows familiar tropes as it’s predecessors. It’s still riotously funny and family-friendly, packed with slapstick, visual gags, and enough curveballs to keep things engaging though.
If you’re burned out on the Minions’ ubiquity, this one might just win you back with its cinematic affection and pure, delirious fun. It’s not reinventing animation, but it proves these little yellow terrors still have tricks (and bananas) up their overalls.
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