Megamind (B+)

Megamind
B+

Though its large number of writers and consultants combined with Dreamwork’s previous track-record of taking semi-parodies a bit too far were enough to worry anyone, Megamind manages to balance humor, adventure, and plot to create a compelling, charming story that continues their winning streak.
The alien to be known as Metro-Man (Brad Pitt) was sent out of his dying solar system as a baby. After traveling vast interstellar distances he landed on the mysterious planet called Earth. Fortunately, a kindly couple decided to adopt him. As he grew older it became apparent he had incredible powers of strength and flight—powers he constantly used to help make the world a better place. Over time, he became the legendary defender of Metro-City and the greatest hero the world ever knew.
Things never went quite so well for poor Megamind (Will Ferrel). He left the same solar system as Metro-Man, but he ended up landed on one of Earth’s toughest prisons. Brought up to hate the law, Megamind became a juvenile delinquent who arrived at his new school in handcuffs. Despite having an incredible intellect that allowed him to create amazing inventions, Megamind never fit in—constantly being overshadowed by the do-gooder known as Metro-Man. In frustration, Megamind decided to become a super-villain and battle Metro-Man and his beloved city. Megamind and his sidekick Minion (a talking fish-like creature in a robot suit voiced by David Cross) would constantly come up with dastardly plans that would almost destroy all that stood for hope and happiness. Almost that is. For over a decade Metro-Man always seems able to stop him just in time. Then one day the unthinkable happens: Megamind wins! With his nemesis gone and the city enslaved, the possibilities for Megamind are endless. However, he is disturbed to learn his imagination is not. Megamind becomes depressed until he befriends a pretty young reporter (Tina Fey) and comes up with an idea to liven his life up.
When Megamind is giving a silly critique of the super-hero genre it succeeds surprisingly well due to two reasons. First, after a dull half hour the movie becomes genuinely funny (a factor certain earlier Dreamworks films failed to account for). The imagery is creative, the dialogue is full of great one-liners and puns (Megamind can’t help but make Metro-City’s name rhyme with “atrocity”), and the film actually gets the themes and flaws behind super hero stories—from over-simplication of people to a general lust for glory. Just as importantly, though, is the movie’s ability to reign the jokes in when story becomes necessary. This means the audience genuinely cares for the characters and is sincerely invested in the story and its morals.
Megamind’s story is a bit more simplistic than some other recent animated films like Toy Story 3, Up, and Kung Fu Panda; but its morals are prevalent enough to have a nice affect on the younger viewers, its observations astute enough to humor hardcore comic fans, and its lack of anything objectionable makes it great fun for everyone. And what great fun it is: the action is engrossing and non-stop without too much slapstick; the 3D is used to maximum effect with minimum interruption; the true villain (Jonah Hill) is as captivating, dark, and sympathetic as can be allowed in a kiddy flick; Hans Zimmer (Despicable Me, Sherlock Holmes, Inception)’s soundtrack is brilliant as usual and the overall flow hits all the right notes. While large production teams often clutter and confuse a movie’s stories, Director Tom McGrath (co-director of the Madagascar movies) combines all the many talents (including Ben Stiller as a producer and Guillermo Del Toro as a creative consultant) to make this a thrilling ride.
Now it is impossible to bring up Megamind without mentioning the last super-villain animated movie—Despicable Me. Yes, they are eerily similar, and Despicable Me was satisfactory and fun-enough, but Megamind is undoubtedly superior in every way. If you think you saw this story last summer let me assure you that you didn’t; and if you have to pick between the DVDs choose this.
Megamind is a fun action-comedy for any and every age.