Minions & Monsters” takes the franchise back to early Hollywood and, in the process, delivers what critics are calling the series’ creative high point.

Directed solely by Pierre Coffin, the co-creator and longtime voice of the Minions, the film embraces the slapstick traditions of silent cinema, drawing inspiration from legends such as Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd. The story follows the yellow mischief-makers as they become silent-movie stars, only to see their dreams threatened by the advent of sound cinema.

The film stands out for giving the Minions a stronger central concept than previous instalments, while allowing them to take centre stage without relying heavily on their “Despicable Me” counterparts. Critics have praised its energetic storytelling, film-history references and rapid-fire visual comedy.

Among the film’s memorable moments are nods to classics such as “Modern Times,” “Safety Last!” and even an anachronistic “Citizen Kane.” The Minions’ trademark language also remains a highlight, with recurring exclamations including “Bellissima!” and “Moviosa!”

The story follows James and Henry, two rebellious Minions who accidentally become Hollywood pioneers after disrupting a western film shoot. Their antics impress studio executives, turning them into overnight stars and leading to a string of successful silent films.

While the film’s momentum slows somewhat in its latter half as it shifts toward a larger fantasy adventure, reviewers say its creativity, humour, and affection for cinema history help it maintain its charm.

Ultimately, “Minions & Monsters” succeeds by blending classic Hollywood nostalgia with the franchise’s trademark chaos, creating a crowd-pleasing adventure that is, as one reviewer put it, “almost bellissima but it’s fully, madly moviosa.”