Minions & Monsters Review: A Surprising Tribute to Old Hollywood

The third in the “Minions” spinoff franchise, and seventh overall “Despicable Me” film, takes its yellow protagonists and puts them in the Golden Era of Cinema. Arriving in Hollywood in 1927, this collection of minions, notably a separate group from the ones that would eventually would eventually work for Gru, become silent film stars. Thanks to the directorial ambitions of a particularly creative minion, James, the movie is also filled with Ray Harryhausen-style monster movie tropes. Astoundingly the film is a loving tribute, in the style of “Babylon” or “Hugo,” to a bygone era of filmmaking.

Minions Go Hollywood

It makes more sense than one might realize. The minions rely on physical comedy, in line with many of the classic silent film stars. Motion pictures like “Safety Last” and “Modern Times” get direct shout outs. And that’s only scratching the surface of the films referenced. An extended montage opens “Minions 3,” it’s protagonists inserted into a number of reels from the early days of the medium. Seeing the minions walking alongside workers leaving the Lumiere factory, or participating in Méliès’ “A Trip to the Moon” was a truly surreal experience.

The minion Bob holds an old fashioned camera, surrounded by other minions.

“Minions and Monster’s” framing story quickly established that film history is a big deal here, as it’s set in a film museum. The scene is packed with easter eggs for movie fans including a great cameo by George Lucas. The always great Allison Janney serves as a tour guide. According to the speech she gives her tour group, these minions saved movies, and quite possibly, the world. These new minions include the aforementioned James and his best friend Henry. The film also provides some unexpected, but much welcome, representation with the first deaf minion. That’s the lovable Ed, who uses a pidgin sign language to communicate with his friends. These’s also the rather unlikable minion, who despite only having four or five hairs, has a combover. His name of course is Dick.

A Stellar Cast

They, and the other minions, are once again voiced by animator Pierre Coffin. Coffin, having co-directed the first four in the “Despicable Me/Minions” franchise returns for solo directing duty this time out. He is joined by a talented crop of actors, new to the franchise. Jeff Bridges plays dual roles as twin brothers that run a film studio. Trey Parker lends his voice to a monster that can best be described as a Cthulhu Funko Pop. Max, a stereotypical director complete with a monocle, beret, and poofy pants, is Christoph Waltz in a very fun role.

Max gestures toward the sky, as he is surrounded by minions.

However, the supporting voices that really steal the show are Zoey Deutch and Jesse Eisenberg. The pair play a women’s suffragette and someone who is either an early cosplayer or a legitimate alien robot, respectively, known as Debbie and Dort. As James, Henry, and Ed are off attempting to make their monster movie, the rest get caught up in a B plot. In it, Dort and Debbie form the sweetest robot romance we’ve seen in an animated film since “Wall-E.”

Final Thoughts

Kids expecting the zany antics of the minions will surely be please once again. However, this time around adults who might have grown tired of their schtick are in for a pleasant surprise. The film isn’t “Citizen Kane,” although you do get to see a minion reenact the Rosebud scene. Overall “& Monsters” is a huge improvement from the prior two “Minions” films and the best in the franchise since at least “Despicable Me 2,” if not ever.

Derick’s Score: 8/10

Derick McDuff

Derick is a writer and podcaster, hosting the film review show Underrated, where he discusses under-appreciated and under-the-radar films. He has written for sites such as Temple of Geek, WatchMojo, and Film Threat. You can also find him at conventions including San Diego Comic-Con and WonderCon, where he has appeared on multiple panels.