Here's MOVIE DIVA MONIQUE's review for Megamind:
credit: Dreamworks
It's been a few hours since I've seen Megamind in theaters today, and I still feel warm and fuzzy. Maybe that's due to the fact that I'm playing the soundtrack as I type this, but even without the soundtrack, the fuzziness would still be here.
The film, which is about a supervillain named Megamind (Will Ferrell) who finally beats the superhero Metro Man (Brad Pitt) but then realizes his purpose in life is gone, and actively goes about creating a hero for himself, that hero being Tighten, a geeky camera man who has the hots for the news reporter he works with, Roxanne Ritchi (Tina Fey). Actually, every main leading guy in this movie seems to have the hots for her, but only one of them wins (guess who). Throughout the whole movie, Megamind finally realizes what it means to be truly evil and truly good as, well as where he fits in in life and his actual purpose.
Firstly, the nods to Superman and other superheroes--both DC and Marvel-- are virtually endless. From Megamind disguising himself as the Marlon Brando/Jor El-esque "Space Dad" to Megamind and Metro Man's childhoods--both having been whisked away from their doomsday-planets to live on Earth--to Metro Man's laser vision to the Captain Marvel-esque lightning bolts on their uniforms, director Tom McGrath really wanted to send a lovable send-up to a genre everyone has grown up with, whether or not you read comics or not.
I will say that the film felt like it was trying to quickly show that Metro Man wasn't a douche; it's a good side story, but if a couple more minutes had been shown to it, it might feel less like a quick jamming-in of a story point and more coherent to the actual plot. Ditto to Metro Man calling Megamind "Little Buddy". The dance scene wasn't really needed (even though the sight of Megamind doing what looks like the Dougie is so scary it's endearing), and like someone on the internet said, a couple more scenes with Roxanne and Megamind could have been called for. Keep in mind that I know this film isn't Wall-E or Toy Story 3 or How to Train Your Dragon--every film isn't particularly destined for that kind of life, so go into this movie and expect just that, a movie. But still, this film has a solid enough story and has enough interesting turns of pace and ideas in it to keep you entertained, and, if you're like me, thinking for a while about what comics impart to us either directly or subliminally.
This is a great movie for those who are looking for a family-friendly film that doesn't pander to children or throw insipid winks at adults. It provides good characterization, stellar acting on both the actors and the animators' parts makes you really feel for the characters, especially Megamind. (Just looking at Megamind when he gets--MINOR SPOILER--his heart broken is almost too human for a character to look, but it's only because we've looked that way many times ourselves when our hearts have broken so hard that we're milliseconds away from crying.) All in all, it's a great one for the whole family, and everyone will get something out of it, probably more than you expected from what the commercials have to tell you.
This is an edited review. To read the uncut version, click here
Brilliant voice work. I have nothing but praises for Will Ferrell (whom I don't really like) and the rest of the voice cast. I went to see the film not having a clue as to who the talents were, so when the credits rolled, I was pleasantly surprised. Another good thing? Superb animation. This met my expectations, and for me it's best redeeming quality of the film. There was never a dull moment, even during the "romantic" scenes. It's what kept me throughout the 96-minute run time. Anyway, I made a full Megamind review in my blog. If you want, you can check it out and the rest of my entries. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteeveryone that I know who's watched the movie, says the movie was great. It'd be a good one to buy on DVD when it comes out. I rarely go out to the movies, so I'm going to be watching for it when it comes out in DVD. Plus, Brad Pitt - old favorite of mine, and I just can't imagine both Brad Pitt and Will Ferrell, together in a movie. Nice combo.
ReplyDeleteMan, I'm a sucker for a good soundtrack! Definitely going to have to check this out. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteMegamind was a lot of fun really. I totally enjoyed it I gotto say. Music was great and the animation was excellent. Don't think that this will be some emotional roller coaster like Toy Story 3 was, but if you wanna get entertained - this is it. :)
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