Set primarily in the Hollywood of the 1920s, the delightful animated comedy “Minions & Monsters” (Universal) is at once director and co-writer Pierre Coffin’s paean to and satire of early Tinseltown.
Humorous versions of classic movie scenes abound; all recreated in the key of silly. But even those with little knowledge of cinema history can enjoy this romp through the nascent days of the film industry.
A tribe of the Twinkie-like creatures of the title (their inspired gibberish language voiced by Coffin) searches around the globe and through the ages for an evil master they can serve. But when the hunt eventually leads them to Los Angeles, two misfit members of the group, best pals James and Henry, become intent on making a horror movie featuring monsters.
To do so, they summon up a scary-looking fiend from a book of spells, only to have a disappointingly diminutive and distinctly unterrifying example of the species, Goomi (voice of Trey Parker), appear instead. Yet all is not lost since Goomi promises to guide his new friends to the lair of some more suitable ogres.
Most of James and Henry’s erstwhile traveling companions, meanwhile, have continued their quest for a wicked overlord. Happening to cross paths with a nerdy alien robot called Dort (voice of Jesse Eisenberg), they decide he’ll do, though his loud threats to lay waste to Earth seem to the audience to be mere bluster.
Narrated by Olivia (voice of Allison Janney), a present-day museum docent, this tale of whimsy – which Coffin penned in partnership with Brian Lynch – celebrates creativity, friendship and perseverance. But the older kids and teens for whom it’s appropriate may be having too much fun to notice.
As for parents, they may bridle when the former girlfriend of a film noir-style detective uses a term questioning the marital status of his parents. That seems more than a little unsuitable in a film aimed at a wide audience. All the more so since the movie being gently mocked would have been prevented from using such a word by the production code then prevailing.
Like the occasional rude gag, however, the moment passes and we’re back to wholesome entertainment.
The film contains comic mayhem, occult-themed nonsense, some anatomical humor and a single crass term. The OSV News classification is A-I – general patronage. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG – parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
