Ok Minions is definitely a franchise that people can't just get enough of. I mean I can't get enough of those funny little yellow guys. Some people say they're too silly, some people think they've become overused, others believe Illumination keeps making Minions movies because they know they'll make money. I think all of those people are right at least a little. But here's the funny part. Every time a new Minions movie comes out, millions of families still buy tickets. Children still laugh, parents still smile, the little yellow creatures somehow find a way to entertain another generation. That made me wonder something before watching Minions & Monsters. Can a franchise that's already been around for so many years still surprise us?

One thing I really appreciated Illumination for is that they didn't make Minions and Monsters look like one kind normal adventure, instead they set up the story in a 1920's Hollywood adventure. This was the time when Hollywood movies were starting to rule and giant monster films were really getting the attention of people. Instead of just going about chasing villains like they would normally do, they decided to create their own monster and star it in their monster film. But well of course as you know, that plan backfired and it created a very huge chaos.

I've heard people ask why Illumination keeps making Minions movies. My answer is simple. Because people keep enjoying them. The Minions don't rely on complicated dialogue, they don't need emotional speeches, half the time they aren't even speaking a real language. Yet somehow almost everybody understands exactly what they're trying to say. That kind of comedy is rare. A child in Nigeria can laugh at the same joke as someone in Japan or Brazil without anyone needing to translate it. Very few movie characters can do that. That's why I don't think the Minions are successful because they're "cute." I think they're successful because they're universal and mostly everybody can understand it.

Another thing I liked Illumination for is that they didn't play Minions and Monsters as a safe bet where there would just be accidents all around and just like that everything would just work perfectly at the end. Yeah they've tried that formula before but they actually made this movie feel more creative. They gave minions and monsters a whole new look. Instead of modern cities and gadgets, they're surrounded by giant movie cameras, handmade monster costumes, practical special effects, and filmmakers who are trying to create movie magic without the technology we have today. I actually enjoyed that. It reminds people that movies weren't always made with computers. Years ago, directors had to build giant monster costumes, miniature cities, and fake explosions by hand. The film quietly celebrates that part of movie history while still being funny enough for children. I think that's clever. Kids get the laughs and adults get the references. That's exactly how family movies should work.

If you noticed, Illumination didn't joke around with the animation at all. I mean the animation is slick and cool, it's even brighter than the previous ones. Even their yellow skin, their eyes and clothing look neat and detailed. If there's one thing families can trust is that Illumination can never disappoint with their animation.

I don't think Minions and Monsters is funnier than every previous Minions movie. Some jokes had me laughing immediately, others felt familiar because we've seen the Minions make similar mistakes before. But I don't necessarily see that as a bad thing. The Minions have their own style of comedy. It's silly, It's loud, sometimes it's completely ridiculous. If you're expecting deep emotional storytelling like Inside Out or The Wild Robot, this probably isn't that kind of movie. And I don't think it's trying to be.

The Minions franchise could eventually get old but Illumination should actually be careful with this. If a movie is usually getting sequels every year after year with the same formula it could actually kill the franchise. So I think Illumination can give the Minions franchise like a four year gap so that the fans can build their excitement for the next Minions movie.

If someone asked me whether Minions & Monsters is the greatest Minions movie ever made. I'd probably say no. But if they asked me whether it's a fun, creative, entertaining addition to one of animation's biggest franchises then I'd absolutely say yes. I think Illumination made the right decision by trying something different instead of repeating the exact same formula.

MINIONS AND MONSTERS IS STILL PLAYING IN THEATRES.