Film Review: ‘Megamind” (2010)
Directed by: Tom McGrath
Writers: Alan J. Schoolcraft, Brent Simons
Stars: Will Ferrell, Jonah Hill, Tina Fey, Brad Pitt, David Cross, Ben Stiller, Justin Theroux
“If there’s still evil, good will rise up against it”
Synopsis: Megamind – is the most brilliant and most unfortunate villain in the world. For many years he has tried to conquer Metro City in a variety of ways, but every one of his attempts ends in failure because of a super hero named Metro-Man who confronts Megamind, each time, as if it will be their last battle. After the villain kills a superhero, he becomes very unhappy because now he has lost his reason for living. He is a ‘Supervillain’ without a ‘Superhero’. “What`s the point in being bad, when there is no good trying to stop you” , says Megamind.
Soon after, Megamind realizes that the only way to stop feeling bored is to create a new superhero named ‘Tighten’. The problem is, Tighten decides that being a villain is more interesting than being a superhero; he is not interested in ruling the world, but would rather destroy it. Megamind faces a difficult choice; to be the evil genius- or a hero ,the savior of mankind?
Let`s begin with Dreamworks Studio. Certain things are mandatory for Dreamworks Animated Studio before it even starts to make an Animated move. These are, 1- Morality, 2- Sense, 3- Family audience, and 4- Breathtaking graphics. I am happy to say that all these things are present in Megamind. Smart dialogue, funny jokes and excellent visual effects are not the only things winning about Megamind.
Director of “Madagascar” Tom McGrath, along with Alan J. Schoolcraft and Brent Simons (both are writers of Megamind), brought us something that we have never seen in animated films before; a super villain who loses all purpose and meaning in his life after defeating his rival.
As soon as Megamind (voiced by Will Ferrell) defeats his nemesis Metro-Man (Brad Pitt), he loses interest in everything. His life becomes miserable. He realizes that he is nothing without a super-hero. Having lots of ideas about how to destroy the world could not even make him happy because, with Metro-Man gone, there is no one left to challenge him. Who else could go against Megamind`s sinister plans? Metro-Man is gone. There is no one left.
Roxanne Ritchie (voiced by Tina Fey) is one of those who comes forward to confront Megamind. But, without having super powers, a news-reporter is as powerless as everyone else in Metro City. Megamind transforms himself to look like Bernard (voiced by Ben Stiller) to impress Roxanne. During their conversation, Megamind devises a plan, that with the right ingredients, such as; determination, bravery and strength, he can make a new super hero. The right ingredients are imperative.This new super hero could confront Megamind and put him back in jail again.
In time, Megamind understands that being good is not a bad thing. More importantly he finds a new reason to fight. (Changed sentence due to preposition at the end) Most parents will find “Megamind” too smart for little kids, and I would not blame them. I would not classify this movie as one for children, but it`s quite entertaining for adults. The voice acting and animation were perfectly suited to the movie (especially David Cross as Minion) and the 3D format complemented the movie without being too distracting. Brad Pitt`s role as Metro-Man was not that big, but very memorable. Tina Fey does a tremendous job, as usual. Ben Stiller was very funny as Bernard and Will Ferrell is inimitable as Megamind. The music of Michael Jackson’s “Bad” makes this film unforgettable.