Minions & Monsters is the backstory of the Minions (Pierre Coffin) before Despicable Me (2010). It follows the Minions through all of their previous leaders and then into Hollywood in the 1920s as they make a monster movie. Of course, things don't go as planned and they end up having to save the planet after creating monsters from an old spell-book. The plot fluctuates between two storylines involving the Minion protagonists, James, Henry and Ed, as they create the monsters for their movie vs. the rest of the Minion gang who eventually hook up with their new leader Dort (Jesse Eisenberg), an alien robot, and Debbie (Zoey Deutch), a women's activist, to create a small love story with a twist that brings it all together in the end.
The comedy in Minions & Monsters is exactly what you'd expect from a Minion's movie. The Minions' random made-up language mixed with real words from different languages is still one of the funniest parts. Something that really stands out is how much the animation keeps getting better with each Minions movie. The characters look smoother; the colors brighter; and the action scenes are immersive. I especially like the scenes with the biggest monster, Irene, because the special effects make her incredibly life-like and unforgettable. I also like how the Minions' outfits match the time period. From the 1920s' sweaters to the classic overalls, it's a small detail but it makes the movie feel even more creative. My most favorite part is how the directors (Pierre Coffin, Patrick Delage) and writers (Pierre Coffin, Bryan Lynch) incorporate small surprise details at the beginning of the movie and throughout the credits. Be sure to stay until the very end to avoid missing out on these comical surprises!
This film's message is about loyalty. The Minions may be goofy and accident-prone but they never give up on each other. No matter how impossible things seem, they stick together, proving that real friendship means standing by the people you care about - even when everything goes completely bananas.
Minions & Monsters gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. The film releases to theaters on July 1, 2026.
By Ryker N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10
I enjoy Minions & Monsters because it has an entertaining comedic style and a fun story line. I love the use of humor and references to old Hollywood movies and actors.
Minions & Monsters is the third Minion's spin off, and the storyline holds its own and can be enjoyed without seeing the other films. In this animated, fictional, autobiography of the Minions, one Minion, James (Pierre Coffin) has chronicled the journey of the Minions on their search to find the perfect villain to serve. James has always been a dreamer and is continuously wanting to create art. Ultimately landing in Los Angeles in the 1920s, James becomes enthralled with Hollywood and his life ambition is to create the perfect movie.
The voice talents bring each character to life and enhance the quality of the story telling. For example, Trey Parker voices Goomi and his voice creates the perfect unsuspecting monster, who you want to trust, but at the same time has a hint of devious energy. I like how in-depth the animation goes with its attention to detail and bold colors. Each part of the Minions' journey is brought to life with beautiful scenes that James creates with details of adventure, humor, and friendship. My favorite part is when the Minions get to 1920s Hollywood - the historical references to the time period and the references to early Hollywood and films are fun to watch. There are references to several classic films such as The Trip to the Moon and Citizen Kane that help bring the story to life. I love that the film includes lots of content and humor for older audiences to enjoy.
I give Minions & Monsters 4 out 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. Minions & Monsters releases in theaters July 1, 2026.
By Julie O. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
I like Minions & Monsters because it has funny moments and good animation.
The movie Minions & Monsters is the third prequel to the Minions series of movies which are a spin-off of the Despicable Me movies. Minions & Monsters takes place in 1920s Hollywood and follows a new group of Minions: James, Henry, and Ed (all voiced by Pierre Coffin) who are trying to make a movie about monsters while the rest of their Minion clan searches for their next "Big Boss" to serve.
I liked watching this movie with its funny moments that had me laughing the whole time. For example, the Minions lose their initial Big Boss when he steps on a Minion-made LEGO brick, triggering a destructive chain reaction that results in his entire house breaking down and the Big Boss falling off a cliff. Another example is when James, Henry and Ed summon a monster from a magical book hoping it will be the star of their monster movie. The picture of the monster in the book shows a huge scary monster, but when the monster arrives, it is just a small little thing. While James, Henry, and Ed are busy conjuring and then battling monsters, the rest of their Minion clan find their next Big Boss, a robot alien named Dort (Jesse Eisenburg) who is determined to destroy Earth. In a funny twist, Dort surprises the Minions by putting off Earth domination so that he can go on dates with a human girl instead. Best of all, this movie has some really good animation that is very nice to look at and kept me invested.
The film's message is that you do not have to be the same as everyone else to be successful.
Minions & Monsters gets 4 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on July 1, 2026.
By Leo G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
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