do any of the pore minimizing cream things actually work?

I don't think anything can have a long term effect on them. Some might reduce the pore size for a little while, i haven't found anything to be very good though!

/

they can't actually shrink the size of your pores, but they can make your skin look healthier so that it APPEARS your pores are smaller.

the only way to manage large pores is to use a facial scrub, good cleanser, toner and oil free moisturiser...
at least once a week, mask with some sort of pore-cleaning-toxin-extractingness.
if it's really bad and you wear make-up... use a make-up primer under your foundation. this evens out everything... perfect clear skin.