Following the fifth ‘Toy Story,’ another major animated project has hit Kazakhstani theaters. ‘Minions vs. Monsters’ had a weak start in the US, but despite modest box office figures, it became the leader there. Nevertheless, interest in the little yellow creatures is clearly waning. And the new film does not help boost it. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The Minions became audience favorites after ‘Despicable Me,’ drawing a significant share of attention and sympathy away from the main character Gru. Unsurprisingly, after the sequel they earned their own film, and then Illumination and Universal Pictures ‘caught the wave’ by devising a production schedule: new ‘Despicable Me’ – new ‘Minions’ – new ‘Despicable Me’ – new ‘Minions.’
But standalone films about the loyal, cheerful, and somewhat reckless henchmen of villainous villains highlighted an obvious problem: the Minions were perfect for supporting roles but utterly unsuited as main characters. And ‘Minions vs. Monsters’ once again underscores this aspect.
But box office figures speak most eloquently about public interest. ‘Minions’ in July 2015, at the peak of public love, opened in the US with over $115 million. ‘Minions: The Rise of Gru’ in July 2022, despite featuring a young Gru, earned $107 million. ‘Minions vs. Monsters’ in July 2026 opened with $37 million. And if you factor in inflation over ten years…
This is not yet a failure, but for example, ‘Toy Story 5’ earned $30 million in the US over the same past weekend, though it opened two weeks earlier. And unlike the adventures of Jessie, Buzz Lightyear, and Woody, the Minions are unlikely to have good word-of-mouth. It is a cute trinket – nothing more. Entertaining – yes; well-made – yes; but virtually plotless and unclear who it is for.
The film begins with a tour of a Hollywood studio featuring a funny cameo by George Lucas, during which the guide mentions the Minions James and Henry, who once changed the industry. None of the tourists, however, know about such a milestone in film history, and the guide has to launch into a long story starting from ancient times. We again see the Minions long and unsuccessfully trying to find a villainous master to serve diligently, but one day fate throws them into Hollywood during the silent film era, where they immediately become stars. But show business was ruthless even a hundred years ago, and to regain their status, James and Henry decide to make a sci-fi blockbuster featuring monsters.
Given that most of the action is set in 1927 and later years, and in Hollywood, ‘Minions vs. Monsters’ becomes a true cinephile attraction. It is the most reference- and parody-filled installment of the franchise and perhaps of any animated film. You just have to catch and recognize them. But at the same time, there is a feeling that such an abundance (and even overabundance) of Easter eggs is primarily because the authors, led by Pierre Coffin (returning to directing after a hiatus for ‘Despicable Me 4’ and ‘Minions: The Rise of Gru’), couldn't come up with anything else. Coffin, incidentally, is also the screenwriter for the first time in franchise history (he also voices all the Minions). There is even less usual Minion-related humor here. Or has it simply become tiresome in its monotony from film to film?
There is another factor affecting audience interest, I think. Of course, it is fun to spot references to ‘Citizen Kane’ or ‘The Maltese Falcon,’ Charlie Chaplin’s ‘Modern Times,’ or Buster Keaton films, but how understandable will they be not only to Kazakhstani viewers but to modern viewers in general? Unlike, by the way, the names of Minions leaving the studio, who are called Quentin, Francis, Steven, and so on – that seems readable.
The story of how the arrival of sound ruined the careers of silent film stars, which becomes a turning point, has also been told many times, including in the 21st century – from Michel Hazanavicius’s ‘The Artist’ to Damien Chazelle’s ‘Babylon,’ and ‘Minions vs. Monsters’ merely rehashes a familiar plot. There is not only no new interpretation but even a hint of one.
Against this somewhat strained, derivative, and overly geeky backdrop, the most awesome and unexpectedly deep and mysterious character is Dort, unannounced in the trailer – an obvious reference to Gort from the classic sci-fi film ‘The Day the Earth Stood Still’ (1951). Or for those who remember its 2008 remake with Keanu Reeves. I won't spoil it, but in my opinion, the Dort storyline pushes the formally main Minion-and-monster storyline into the background, which is simply uninteresting due to its banality and obviousness. But Dort and every scene with him are wonderful, even though, as if trying to modernize their retro film, the authors include a struggle for women's rights, which here and in the form it is presented looks somewhat strange.