Minions & Monsters
Rating: 5/5
By: Nathaniel Simpson
The history of cinema in Hollywood is a long and complicated one. Throughout the last 130 years or so, Hollywood has seen the shift from silent films to talkies, black & white pictures to films containing the most colorful scenes the world has ever seen, and censorship guidelines that limited what films were able to show to movies now pushing the limit as to what can be shown on the big screen. While cinema has gone through many changes and innovations, it still contains that beautifully unique charm that attracts people all over the world to the theaters. This is the idea that the latest Illumination movie, Minions & Monsters, is promoting. A film looks like a fun time for families with these memorable characters on the outside is really a love letter to the history of Hollywood and the art of filmmaking; as someone who's favorite movies include La La Land and Babylon, you know this was right up my alley. Not only did this movie make me feel like a giddy child with all of the film references and callbacks (I was unfortunately the only one who laughed at the Casablanca joke with Sam in my theater), but filmmakers Pierre Coffin and Brian Lynch brings something for everyone throughout this picture, allowing families of all shapes and sizes to enjoy the Minion's latest adventure.
The movie follows a young Minion named James (which I think is very fitting given that is my middle name) who isn't like the other little yellow characters in his tribe. While they want to find a "Big Boss" to serve, James is focused on storytelling and creating new and unique ideas that are fun. When the Minions find themselves in Hollywood on accident, James and his friends Henry and Ed discover a whole new world that they never knew about - the world of filmmaking. While the other Minions are cast out due to the introduction of the talkies, James, Henry, and Ed make it their personal mission to find a big, bad monster to help them craft their own monster flick.
In a way, I would equate this movie as a modern-day family flick that tries to accomplish the same feats as Giuseppe Tornatore's Cinema Paradiso and Steven Spielberg's The Fabelmans. This story follows this Minion who simply wants to make movies, and it is showing the evolution of his character in terms of falling in love with motion pictures and doing everything he can to make sure he achieves his dream of winning an Oscar (which, in this sense, is a giant golden banana). Because of this, I would say this is the Illumination film that tugs on my heartstrings the most, as the character of James is very relatable to me. I went twice with two separate groups to see this film, and I think the movie works for those who are interested in film and have a deep and appreciative love for it. This movie was made for filmmakers, film students, and anyone who seriously loves this art form. It's just odd to think about how a movie about little yellow alien-like creatures who speak gibberish would elicit such a strong response in the context of such a love for motion pictures.
I think the filmmakers do an excellent job of crafting this story, and it is a lot of fun throughout. I love the characters they set up, which include Trey Parker's Goomie, Christoph Waltz's Max, Jesse Eisenberg's Dort, Jeff Bridges as two twin movie producers, and Zoey Deutch as Debbie. All of these characters are a lot of fun, and I would say the Dort storyline is quite enjoyable even if some people see it as a throwaway gag to get to the climatic battle at the end of the film. The story has very fun plot devices and sets up for these Minions to go on this journey together and find a way to stick together to the very end.
I also want to point out the fantastic film references and callbacks present. Consider the opening credits for this film, which show the beloved Minions in different silent short films that were produced in the late 1800s- early 1900s. From there, we get callbacks to Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, Citizen Kane, and so much more. I appreciate how the filmmakers made the decision to include these references and callbacks that only some may truly get just to elicit the laughs and adoration from those seeing this film. Who would've thought we would have a Minion trying to recreate the opening scene where Charles Foster Kane utters the iconic line before his death?
I also want to comment on the beautiful animation and sound design/score that is present here. It took me a second viewing of this picture to truly appreciate what the animators were able to do, and some of these shots they capture are absolutely beautiful. Watching James walk through the soundstage to see all of the different sets and costume designs gives me goosebumps every time. In addition to the animation, the sound design from Skywalker Sound and score from John Powell is perhaps some of the best from any Illumination film. They are able to achieve the old-fashioned sound design that was present in the early talkies as well as crafting the design of the cameras rolling and the glorious monster sounds. The soundtrack from Powell is beautifully crafted in the sense that it could be used for an animated film like this, or for a high-octane blockbuster. It works perfectly in every sense of this film.
There is no doubt that Minions & Monsters is the best film in the Despicable Me franchise for me, and I would go as far as to say this may be the best Illumination film. Everything about this movie works for me, and this is a sincere love letter to cinema and for always chasing your dreams. This is one you need to see on the big screen, and I know I will be going back again very soon to see this story about James the Minion who wants to be a filmmaker.
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