Minions & Monsters, the seventh film in the Despicable Me franchise, arrives in theaters July 1, offering a fresh perspective that eschews typical franchise formulas for a heartfelt tribute to early Hollywood and the magic of cinema. While the franchise's box office success is undeniable, this installment pivots by setting its story before previous entries and centering on a new group of Minions who inadvertently become silent-era movie stars upon arriving in 1920s Los Angeles.
Unlike the Despicable Me films, which rely on Gru's familial relationships for emotional depth, Minions & Monsters is primarily driven by its gags. However, the film introduces James, an artist Minion more interested in documenting adventures through drawing and eventually moviemaking than serving an evil boss. This focus on art and the cinematic process marks a significant departure for the series, executed with surprising cleverness and humor.
Director Pierre Coffin and screenwriter Brian Lynch have infused the film with a playful spirit, beginning with a modern Universal logo that journeys back through its own history, followed by an Illumination logo reimagined for a century ago. The movie appeals to both children, with its abundant sight gags and slapstick, and adults, who will appreciate its deeper jokes and references. Homages to silent film legends like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, and nods to classics such as Casablanca and Citizen Kane, contribute to the film's designation as a "love letter to cinema."
The narrative gains momentum with the introduction of Max, a Hollywood director warmly voiced by Christoph Waltz. The Minions' rise to stardom, complete with meta-commentary on their success and merchandise, provides ample comedic material. However, the transition to the advent of sound in film presents a challenge for the gibberish-speaking Minions, and the story becomes somewhat segmented as Max's role diminishes in the latter half, loosening its tether to the Hollywood-specific elements.
The introduction of monsters, a key part of the film's title, arrives later. One Minion uses a spell book to summon ancient beasts for a self-made movie, leading to chaotic yet entertaining sequences. Trey Parker lends his voice to Goomi, a Cthulhu-inspired character, while the multi-eyed beast Irene provides some of the film's most visually imaginative and trippy moments. The film also incorporates a subplot featuring Dort, a character inspired by Gort from "The Day the Earth Stood Still," and a suffragette named Debbie.
Despite its frenetic energy and the multitude of influences drawn from various cinematic eras, Minions & Monsters largely succeeds in weaving its disparate elements together. The film's unique manic energy, coupled with its early Hollywood aesthetic, evokes classic Looney Tunes. It stands as the best film in the franchise since the original Despicable Me, arguably even surpassing it.