Minions and Monsters

Playfully predictable, Minions and Monsters is a wonderfully extravagant expression of love for the art of moviemaking. A spin-off of the Minions franchise, this new addition is a fun-filled adventure following the duo of James and Henry. Still in search of their one true evil master, James and Henry bond over their love for shenanigans and artistic expression. Their penchant for mischief leads the rest of their Minion group crashing into a film set. This sparks a wave of successful Minion-led silent features. But technological advances in sound expose their inability to communicate with humans, and ultimately result in their removal from the industry. James, armed with only a gifted camera and his friends Henry and Ed by his side, is not to be deterred and sets about making his own piece.

Minions and Monsters is full of references for cinephiles and Illumination enthusiasts, including old and new classics, as well as other projects by the animation studio. The dialogue is full of wit and charm, and the narration supplements the Minions and their unique language. Of course, there’s a predictability to the script and the way the events unfold. This is expected when using familiar techniques of callbacks and foreshadowing. These, however, are part of Minions and Monsters’ overall appreciation for writing and moviemaking.

James and Henry’s friendship is one of the most endearing aspects of the picture. Despite its short runtime, the two manage to captivate the audience through gags and montages. This is because, despite the flamboyance of the world surrounding them, there’s something inherently human and real in how their connection develops. The feeling of being different and an outcast, and finding comfort in someone who can relate to that sensation while also appreciating one’s quirks and whims, is a universal theme that adults and kids alike will gravitate towards. The other characters also have their own magnetic qualities that will pull viewers in, from Dick and his overly strict demeanour to Max and his fatherly attachment to James.

This animated film is full of life, colour and texture. It emulates the grainy quality of black-and-white pieces to adhere to the cinematic aesthetics of the time, contrasting that with the vibrancy of the Minions and their world. This feature is truly a love letter to artistic pursuits in all forms, with its mixed-media approach – using 2D drawings and computer-generated graphics – highlighting James’s passion for creativity. Even the perspective and framing of the scenes are odes to cinematography and how camera angles and movement can help bring stories to life.

In the end, there’s plenty to love about Minions and Monsters. Disguised as an animated family romp using a familiar franchise to fill seats in the theatre, this feature instead offers a beautifully crafted story of friendship and love for creativity, visually expressed through familiar movie tropes and every cinephile’s favourite cult classics.

Mae Trumata

Minions and Monsters is released nationwide on 1^st July and for home viewing on 15^th August 2026.

Watch the trailer for Minions and Monsters here: