Megamind

Regardless of the cutesy, cartoonish façade that makes “Megamind” look like one of those “kid’s movies” this movie is for the big kids due to the unconventional story and humorous dialogue.

Megamind (voiced by Will Ferrell) after failing so many times from trying to do good decides to go bad with his sidekick Minion (voiced by David Cross). His nemesis—since he was eight days old —plays the part of the good guy and calls himself Metro Man (voiced by Brad Pitt). The two are constantly dueling and Metro Man always wins.

Until one day when Megamind finally defeats Metro Man and takes over Metro City. However, Megamind becomes bored of “running rampant through the streets” without anyone to stop him. After all, what’s the point of being bad if there’s no good?

He soon comes up with his best evil plan ever, after some inspiration from reporter Roxanne Ritchi (voiced by Tina Fey). His plan ends up being a really bad idea (not like evil bad just plain bad) and it will alter his villainous lifestyle forever.

The story of “Megamind” takes the traditional superhero story and gives it a unique twist. The twist gives the audience a fresh superhero story that sometimes falls back to tradition, but overall provides an entertaining unheard superhero story. The plot moves at a fast pace, providing new conflicts for the characters almost immediately after they defeat the old one.

The script (Alan J. Schoolcraft and Brent Simons) gives the audience clever dialogue between Megamind and other characters. The script fails to give as much humor as one would expect from a cast that includes Will Ferrell and Tina Fey. The plot is moved more by action and the twists and turns in the plot than the humor. However, the humor in “Megamind” works and always receives a laugh from the audience.

Also the humor is more geared towards adults rather than little kids. For example, in one scene Megamind and Metro Man verbally duke it out and talk about justice as a noncorrosive metal, revenge as a dish best served cold and the importance and uses of extended warranties, all topics that would not make much sense to little kids. That style of humor is abundant in “Megamind” and it proves that it is not just a mere “kid’s movie”.

“Megamind” has excellent voice-acting by all the cast. Ferrell gives a solid performance as the worst supervillian in history. He also creates a unique voice for his character that makes him unrecognizable. Even though Megamind is the “villain” Ferrell gives his character emotion that makes him sympathetic to audiences.

Fey also delivers a steady performance as Roxanne, so often kidnapped by Megamind that she can guess his every move and she is smart and pretty too. After Metro Man’s defeat Roxanne is not only saddened but longs for a new hero to take his place. Fey always stays true to her character and performs all emotion with accuracy.

Cross also lends his voice for Minion, the best sidekick a villain could ask for. Always address Megamind as “sir” and giving all credit to the successful evil plot to Megamind. He looks out for his master’s best interest and is completely loyal to him. Cross displays all these characteristics by perfectly by only using his voice.

However, all the incredible voice-acting would be nothing without the extraordinary animation (Ori Neidich). The characters often contain life-like facial expression, other times they are completely exaggerated for a comical effect. The character design is also unique, the tall skinny Megamind, with the disproportionally sized blue head. Even the “normal” people are different sizes and shapes.

“Megamind” is a fun movie to watch, especially in 3-D. The movie contains a lot of explosion, flights and falls that make it all that more enjoyable in 3-D when audiences feel that are flying with the characters.

“Megamind” contains a unique plot and characters voiced by some of biggest comic talent. The animation is fantastic and engaging. Although the movie is more entertaining for older audiences the younger ones will enjoy it as well. As soon as audiences leave the theater they will want to return again.