DreamWorks has been gunning to take over the animation world since the studio’s inception. Not afraid to take on subjects and stories that have already been told, the studio considered the opportunity to create a computer generated superhero movie, which ended up as an amazing success.
This expertly written movie is produced and casted with some of the best talent in the industry. Tom McGrath, the man who brought us the Madagascar films, has really stepped up his game and made a hilarious comedy. In doing this he used some of the best comedic talents in the comedy world. Will Ferell voices villainous Megamind David Cross as the lovable Minion, Tina Fey is the intelligent Roxanne Ritchi and Jonah Hill as the boy who will never grow up, Tighten. Probably the oddest and most distracting cast member is Brad Pitt as Metroman, not known for his voice, this pretty boy actor, although talented, is more of a distraction than a pull for audiences.
Megamind opens with a beautiful shot involving the titular character falling to his assumed death. He lists off all the horrible aspects of the day much like one would mention what they had to eat, and then winds back the clock to give us his origin. You will find it impossible to not be fully invested in this movie after this opening sequence.
Megamind is easily comparable to Superman in its character designs and histories but it turns everything on its head when it focuses on the criminal’s perspective instead. We immediately learn why Megamind would become a criminal in a world when he has so many talents that he could instead offer his new home.
This film has many elements that are played with but don’t overwhelm the story to distraction. Long term friendship and love are unforeseen arcs that are entertaining and touching, while awkward romantic advances and megalomania add to the comedy in ways that are expected but go beyond our expectations. One thing that will keep audiences guessing is how many times people in this film become someone else. Personalities and appearances are in a constant state of flux. In regards to this, one of the finest treats in this film is Will Ferrell’s Marlon Brando impression.
Without a doubt the team behind this film thought in new and inventive ways to tell a story that has been told, in a sense, many times before. Computer generated movies have the unique ability to be completely capable of anything visually; it’s this limitless possibility that Tom McGrath takes advantage of and dazzles us with.
Megamind is without a doubt the best way to fill your weekend with laughs and visual delight, at least for two hours.
Rated PG for action and some language.
