‘Minions & Monsters’ Reviews Are Here

The initial reviews for ‘Minions & Monsters’ have arrived, and critics are largely enjoying this latest adventure from the ‘Despicable Me’ universe. This animated comedy marks the newest installment in Illumination’s beloved franchise, serving as the third prequel focused on the Minions. Directed by Pierre Coffin and co-written by Coffin and Brian Lynch, the film transports audiences back to 1920, well before the events of the first ‘Minions’ movie.

The narrative follows the yellow creatures as they endeavor to create their own monster movie during the early days of Hollywood. The film cleverly intertwines classic cinema references with the signature Minions-style humor and chaotic comedy.

Returning to voice the Minions is Pierre Coffin, joined by a talented cast that includes Trey Parker, Allison Janney, Christoph Waltz, Jesse Eisenberg, Jeff Bridges, Zoey Deutch, Bobby Moynihan, and Phil LaMarr.

The movie had its premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on June 21, ahead of its theatrical release by Universal Pictures. Early reactions indicate that critics appreciate the film’s choice to explore a new setting rather than simply repeating the formula of previous entries in the franchise.

Brian Orndorf from Blu-ray.com offered a positive review, commending its entertainment value and the numerous references to cinematic history. “There’s a fun factor here to carry the viewing experience. And movie fans will have a ball tracking all the cinema references included here,” Orndorf noted.

Christopher Lloyd from The Film Yap also enjoyed the film, awarding it 3.5 out of 5 stars. He emphasized that the franchise attempts something new for its seventh installment.

“Give points to the franchise for not just doing the same-old for its 7th iteration, hearkening back to classic movies for inspiration as the lovable yellow ijits dive into kiddie-friendly slapstick,” Lloyd remarked.

Spanish publication Fotogramas provided one of the strongest reactions, granting the film 4 out of 5 stars. Critic Fausto Fernandez praised the movie’s connection to cinema history and its playful approach.

“The Minions haven’t just stolen another movie – this time one of their own – but they’ve turned it into the definitive visual, conceptual, and historical encyclopedia of cinema’s origins. A wildly funny one,” Fernandez stated.

James Croot from The Post NZ also rated the film 4 out of 5 stars, noting that it possesses enough creativity and emotion to resonate with audiences beyond just children.

“There’s enough wit, invention and heart to captivate even the most cynical of animated adventure-weary moviegoers,” Croot commented.

Other critics had mixed feelings but still found much to enjoy. Jake Wilson from the Sydney Morning Herald rated the film 3 out of 5 stars, observing that its unconventional structure aligns with the concept of the Minions crafting their own fantasy.

“The somewhat disjointed quality of ‘Minions & Monsters’ is fitting provided we take it as a fantasy conceived by the Minions themselves,” Wilson explained.

Overall, the early critical reception of ‘Minions & Monsters’ has been favorable, with many reviewers praising its humor, inventive setting, and homage to classic Hollywood. While some critics felt the narrative could be uneven, most concurred that the film introduces something fresh to a franchise that has been around for several years.

With its focus on old Hollywood and the Minions’ own filmmaking endeavors, the movie promises to deliver a unique adventure while maintaining the silly energy that has endeared the characters to audiences worldwide.

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