- MINIONS & MONSTERS
- Starring the voices of: Christoph Waltz, Jeff Bridges and Allison Janey
- Directed by: James (with Piere Coffin and Patrick Delarge)
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 1 hr 30 mins
- Universal
Our score: 5 out of 5
They’re back! Those cute, funny, overall clad beings from who knows where are once again back on the silver screen. Back on it? If I’m not mistaken, they invented it.
Funny and sweet, with some great nods to the great films of the past, “Minions & Monsters” shines the spotlight on how the Minions came to be. We start back in prehistoric times, when the lads – I assume they’re all male – are searching for the evillest person in the world to serve as their, well, minions. From a giant caveman to the renaissance to early Hollywood, the Minions do their best to succeed. Among them is James, who is very artistic. James is not appreciated by the rest but does find a kindred soul in Henry. Together they document the group’s adventures, hoping to one day tell their story. It is while in Hollywood that the group, mistaking a scene being shot for a film as real, end up on film, much to the glee of the heads of Brother Studios, Frank and Elwood (both voiced by Jeff Bridges). The films director, Max (Waltz) soon finds himself working with the Minions, all the time encouraging James to tell his story. As the saying goes, hilarity ensues!
It says a lot about the quality of the “Minions” films that the cast boast no less then six Academy Award nominees with four Oscars between them. The cast gives their all, with even George Lucas making a vocal cameo. As one of the titular “Monsters,” Trey Parker gives Gummi a childlike quality that belies the monster inside. If you’re a fan of “South Park,” you’ll instantly recognize that Gummi has a lot in common with that shows character Butters. And why not? The film is a love letter to Hollywood, with classic films like “Modern Times,” “Citizen Kane,” Safety First,” and “The General” being recognized. Heck, there’s even a great “True Romance” nod that had me chuckling out loud.
To some people, the Minions’ language is gibberish. Usually, the only word you can make out is “banana.” However, as voiced by director Coffin, it is a language full of fun and excitement, wonder and curiosity. Maybe one day, like Klingon, the language will gain its own dictionary.
June is over. Here comes July in all it’s bright yellow excitement. Celebrate America 250 with the Minions. You wont be disappointed!
On a scale of zero to five, “Minions & Monsters” receives ★★★★★