Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Minions and Monsters review says the adorable little yellow guys are as engagingly chaotic as ever, but this time around they’re a bit overwhelming, proving that you can have too much of a good thing.

I shamelessly confess that I adore Minions. So when I went to my critics screening of Minions & Monsters, I was ready to be overcome by popcorn spilling, armrest slapping laughter, as I usually do when these little yellow troublemakers take to the screen. I’m all in for their chaotic innocence, the way they barrel into situations with absolute confidence and zero competence.

But much to my surprise, and yes, a little disappointment, I have to tell you: this one wore me out.

In the beginning, I was charmed. The film opens in a way that completely won me over. We’re taken back through the Minions’ long, ridiculous history of trying (and failing) to serve the most despicable masters imaginable.

It’s fast, clever, and packed with the kind of visual gags that reward you for paying attention. They hop from one monstrous employer to another, inadvertently ruining each relationship in spectacular fashion. That first stretch is classic Minions—tight, inventive, and genuinely funny.

Minions and Monsters review — In the beginning, it’s great!

Things really get moving when they land in old Hollywood, chasing their next big villain to serve. At first, it feels like the perfect setting—glamorous, exaggerated, and full of comedic potential. But this is also where the movie starts to lose its grip.

The story branches off into multiple subplots, including one involving a character named Gort that just doesn’t have the wit or momentum to justify the screen time. What begins as playful chaos gradually turns into narrative overload, with too many ideas competing for attention.

Then come the monsters. And not just a few. The film leans heavily into a parade of increasingly elaborate creatures, culminating in Eileen—a massive, orange, many-eyed blob who oozes across the screen. It’s visually impressive, sure, but also overwhelming.

At a certain point, it feels like you’re swimming in the same goo as the characters, desperate for a breather. The nonstop Minion chatter, which is usually part of the charm, becomes a bit exhausting when paired with such relentless visual intensity.

That said, there’s still a lot to appreciate. Pierre Coffin’s direction remains energetic and sharply timed, and his vocal work as the Minions continues to be a unique comedic engine that seems like it could run forever.

And I have to give special credit to the score by Heitor Pereira — the animation composer extraordinaire who has also recorded with Rod Stewart, Elton John and Jack Johnson. Here there’s a strong Old Hollywood influence woven throughout, with lush orchestration and playful nods to classic film music that elevate the entire film.

The screenplay, however, credited to Brian Lynch and Matthew Fogel, feels like it could have used a little editing. Sure, it’s bursting with ideas, but a few too many for my taste. You can sense the ambition, but also the lack of restraint. It’s as if every brainstorming session made it into the final cut.

To the film’s credit, let’s not forget that it comes from Illumination, which has become one of the most successful animation companies in the world, all while keeping production budgets relatively modest compared to competitors like Pixar.

Founded by French producer Chris Meledandri, the company is closely tied to Universal Pictures but maintains a distinctly European creative influence. In fact, Illumination is such a point of pride in France that its Minions were prominently featured during the Paris 2024 Olympics promotions—appearing in official marketing and celebratory content as unofficial cultural ambassadors. Not bad for a bunch of gibberish-speaking troublemakers.

At the end of its blessedly short 90 minute run time, you still may feel a bit overwhelmed. Minions & Monsters is still a good laugh, if a little overstuffed. I giggled, I smiled, and yes, I occasionally felt like I needed to step out of the theater for a gulp of fresh air.

If the filmmakers had dialed things back just a bit, this could have been one of their best. As it stands, it’s a colorful, chaotic ride that proves you really can have too much of a good thing—even when that thing is a Minion.

Rated PG

1 Hour 30 Minutes

If this Minions and Monsters review makes you want to scuttle over the the cineplex and revel in their mayhem, find times and tickets at Fandango.com.

Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Minions and Monsters review says the adorable little yellow guys are as engagingly chaotic as ever, but this time around they’re a bit overwhelming, proving that you can have too much of a good thing.