MINIONS & MONSTERS
Starring: Pierre Coffin, Allison Janney, Christoph Waltz, Jesse Eisenberg, Trey Parker, Jeff Bridges, Bobby Moynihan, Phil LaMarr, and Zoey Deutch
Director: Pierre Coffin
AMARÚ
What the hell did I just watch? I honestly don’t know. The best description I can give is that Minions & Monsters is a compilation of 15-minute Looney Tunes episodes loosely tied together. If director Damien Chazelle decided to remake Babylon with Minions and all of the juvenile comedy that his five-year old niece loves, it would be this. I don’t know if he even has a niece, but this movie shows you can make anything up and throw it on screen. I’ll say that it is beautifully animated, but outside of that, I’ll only praise the joyful laughs of children that filled the theater.
ADRIANO
In Minions & Monsters, the bit-compilation concept just comes off as noise. The old Hollywood setting can be fun with references here and there, and the "love-letter to cinema" messaging is nice (although it often feels like dressing as opposed to the point). The charming freneticism of the franchise's sense of humour is still there, and for all of Illumination's shortcomings, animation is never one. But considering the titular monsters don't factor in until it's about to end, and even then, can't keep its head straight, as someone over the age of 10, there's not much to admire.
KATIE
I loved Minions & Monsters. I’ll admit, I’m biased because I already find Minions hilarious, and this instalment appeals to my inner film nerd. It has nods to silent cinema legends, the Lumière brothers, Méliès, classic films, and iconic monster and sci-fi movies, alongside the Minions’ signature physical and slapstick-inspired comedy that doesn’t miss a beat. Not a moment passes without a joke or a gag, and despite the chaos, the comedy is so fine-tuned that you’re always engaged. The relationship between Henry and James (both Pierre Coffin) is genuinely sweet, the supporting characters are endearing, and the voice cast is great. Plus, the animation is faultless.
