Minions & Monsters * This Film Is A Laugh-A-Minute; Making It Feel Like The Movie Is Over In A Flash
Wednesday, July 1st, 2026
Follows the Minions in 1920s Hollywood as they search for frightening creatures for their monster movie, partner with a green creature, and must save the planet after unleashing monsters.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ryker N. comments, “I am BANAAANAS about Minions & Monsters! This film is a laugh-a-minute; making it feel like the movie is over in a flash. Even though this is the seventh Minions movie, it still feels fresh and funny.” Tiana S. adds, “After four Despicable Me movies and many Minions establishments, the Minions are back for an all new adventure taking you to the 1920s. Minions & Monsters is adventurous and humorous, while bringing us a 20s Hollywood vibe. The film introduces another side of the Minions world that has not been acknowledged in any other Minions franchise.” Leo G. wraps it up with, “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.” See their full reviews below.
Minions & Monsters
By Ryker N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10
I am BANAAANAS about Minions & Monsters! This film is a laugh-a-minute; making it feel like the movie is over in a flash. Even though this is the seventh Minions movie, it still feels fresh and funny.
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 spellbook. 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.
Illumination’s Minions & Monsters, directed by Pierre Coffin.
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!
Illumination’s Minions & Monsters, directed by Pierre Coffin.
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.
Minions & Monsters
By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15
Illumination’s Minions & Monsters, directed by Pierre Coffin.
After four Despicable Me movies and many Minions establishments, the Minions are back for an all new adventure taking you to the 1920s. Minions & Monsters is adventurous and humorous, while bringing us a 20s Hollywood vibe. The film introduces another side of the Minions world that has not been acknowledged in any other Minions franchise.
The storyline follows James and Henry (Pierre Coffin), Minions from the 1920s. James stands out from the rest, with his passion for drawing and storytelling. Henry becomes his best friend after witnessing one of James’ creations, and the two are inseparable. After their long search to find a villain boss to serve, the Minions end up in Hollywood, where they meet Max (Christoph Waltz), a director who allows them to create movies, all until chaos ensues. James has to decide on pursuing his newfound love for filmmaking, while balancing his friendship, and finding a special star for his new movie.
Illumination’s Minions & Monsters, directed by Pierre Coffin.
The main characters are James, Henry, Ed, and Goomi (Trey Parker). I love how the movie showcases the 1920s. They perfectly adapt the time period to the Minions world with the cameras, silent films, and even protests for women’s suffrage. One of my favorite characters is Dort (Jesse Eisenburg), his character is introduced as being a villain for the Minions to serve. At the same time he is a bit of a softer mystery character that surprised me a lot. The Minions’ franchise has been entertaining me for over a decade, and they continue to produce creative and new ideas for kids’ movies. This film introduces us to a whole new tribe of Minions outside of the ones we’ve come to love, Kevin, Stuart, and Bob.
Illumination’s Minions & Monsters, directed by Pierre Coffin.
The film’s message is about sticking with the people who are always by your side. Henry and James are best friends early on, but once James becomes set on his dream of making movies, he starts to ignore Henry’s advice, thinking Henry is trying to block his success. It causes James to question his dream versus his friendship. Parents should be aware that some jokes or sequences are more adult focused and young children may not catch them.
I give Minions & Monsters 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters July 1, 2026.
Minions & Monsters
By Leo G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
Illumination’s Minions & Monsters, directed by Pierre Coffin.
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.
Illumination’s Minions & Monsters, directed by Pierre Coffin.
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.
Illumination’s MINIONS & MONSTERS, directed by Pierre Coffin.
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.
