Megamind - The Review - Is it any good?
The really short review? This is a very funny film. The slightly longer review? It's sharp and witty with enough laughs for adults and children alike. Heck, even an 18 year old like myself loved it. There are a few issues with the odd character but smooth animation and a typically classy Dreamworks feel to it more than make up for this. The full review?
Megamind is a stylish animation which follows Megamind from his arrival on Earth as a baby, after his planet is destroyed. His future rival Metroman also experiences the exact same situation, but they go down two different paths. Through their childhood, Megamind is a social outcast who turns to life as a supervillan and Metroman becomes the equivalent of Superman. This is all character development and setting, where we see the human side of a supervillan so that we are able to root for him. Yet, very early on Megamind defeats Metroman and the whole film follows the line of....what now. What is my purpose now I have won? Input a fairly predictable plotline with fresh twists. Essentially, you know what will happen, just not how to get there. this film has been described as being very similar to Despicable Me but I disagree. The main character is a villain and stylistically, they are similar. Yet this has a very different tone to it and is much more of a mature film in terms of it's script.
Anyyhow, the plot is not what makes this film what it is. It is the humour. Take this example, from very early on in the film, where Megamind has trapped Metroman.
Metro Man crashes into the observatory, but finds no one present]
Megamind: [from projector] Over here, old friend! In case you've noticed, you've fallen right into my trap!
Metro Man: You can't trap justice! It's an idea, a BELIEF!
Megamind: Even the most heartfelt belief can get corroded over time!
Metro Man: Justice is a non-corrosive metal!
Megamind: But metals can be melted, by the heat of revanche!
Metro Man: It's REVENGE, and it's best served cold!
Megamind: But it can be easily reheated, in the microwave of evil!
Metro Man: Well, I think your warranty's about to expire!
Megamind: Maybe I got an extended warranty!
Metro Man: Warranties are invalid, if used beyond their intended purpose!
Not the sort of humour you would expect from a 'childrens film'. And thats a very good point. The Guardian summed it up, stating in an unfairly negative tone, that 'this animated movie is meant to be a children's film but is so wordy, so knowing, so citational that it appears to have been made solely for adults'. This may be true to an extent. But quite frankly, it IS clever! It is funny. It is enjoyable for adults, but also for younger audiences too. Megamind's whole behaviour and tone is very similar to King Julian of Madagascar (easily the funniest character), an over the top silly meglomanic with perfect comic timing. All of this is so intelligently done it doesn't seem chilidsh, yet still managing to appeal to both audiences, in part, due to the role of Minion, Megamind's sidekick got gets the few lines which are designed for children. However, again, these are not your typical lowbrow slap stick. It is again, of a good enough quality, parents, teens or adults will not be put off.
This is all exacerbated by some fantastic voice acting. Will Ferell is an actor I often disagree with but he is fantastic in this, perhaps because I never thought of Megamind as Will Farell. Yet, the stand out voice actor though is Brad Pitt as Metroman. Just think of it. Brad Pitt is the perfect choice. He just sounds like a pure, brave and true superhero in normal conversation. However, this leads us onto the main issue with this film. Tina Fey, who plays the Lois Lane-esque character. The ambitious reporter who has romantic involvements with various supercharged characters. Now this character is not badly designed character. She does what she does. Yet there is nothing special about her. Nothing notable. Her character has funny lines which are mildly entertaining but by no means the stand out ones. She is essentially an adequately well done plot device. That does not mean she is awful or irritating. Just a bit bland and in a film so wonderful, it is noticeable.
What is noticeable is the soundtrack. It is very obvious. You have ACDC and Michel Jackson. You even have Bad to The Bone. And to be brutally honest, it adds something to the movie, but also takes away. In some cases, it is used directly in relation to what is going on. It helps to create a marvellous spectacle. In other places, it seems feeble and randomly added it. It doesn't make or break the movie, but it was still a memorable part of the movie.
I did not intend to see this movie when it first came out. I was advised to see it and was pleasantly rewarded. The comedy is funny and very witty. The animation is crisp. The soundtrack seems a bit out of place but is fine. The plot has an interesting take on a superhero story - what happens once the supervillan wins? So would I advise it? Definitely. If the conversation between Metroman and Megamind tickled your fancy then go and see it now. If it did not, then I would not advise against you watching it as the humour and tone may not be up your alleyway. Then again, try a few trailers and see what you think. All I can say is I wish I had seen it in a big cinema.to see the great animation in it's true glory.
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