Voice cast: Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, Tina Fey
Advertisement
Director: Tom McGrath
Advertisement
What’s Good: The humour; the excellent animation and voice-overs.
What’s Bad: For some, the predictable story.
Verdict: Megamind = mega humour; but not much else.
Loo Break: None.
Watch or Not?: Certainly, but only if you are a fan of Hollywood animation films.
DreamWorks’ Megamind is an animation film about a villain, Megamind (voiced by Will Ferrell), who wants to destroy his nemesis, Metro Man (Brad Pitt). With his assistant, Minion (David Cross), Megamind keeps abducting the television journalist, Roxanne Ritchie (Tina Fey). Metro Man always comes to Roxanne’s rescue and thwarts Megamind’s evil designs. Until one fine day, Megamind actually succeeds in killing Metro Man.
Now, Megamind and Minion run a free reign over Metro City for a few days, but soon Megamind is twiddling his thumbs with no super-hero left to fight. He decides to pour his heart out to late Metro Man, at a huge statue of the latter. Incidentally, Roxanne overhears Megamind talk. Before she can find him, Megamind transforms himself into the caretaker of the monument, Bernard (Ben Stiller). Soon Megamind, as Bernard, starts having an affair with Roxanne and, at the same time, he sets out to work on creating a new super-hero. Enter Titan (Jonah Hill), Roxanne’s cameraperson, who Megamind mistakenly injects with his super-hero concoction made out of Metro Man’s DNA. All hell breaks loose when Megamind realises that instead of being a super-hero, Titan wants to join forces with him and become a villain! He also loses Roxanne’s affection when she discovers that Megamind was cheating on her by being in the disguise of Bernard. Titan, meanwhile, takes to destroying Metro City. Will Megamind be able to stop him? Will Roxanne ever love Megamind again? What happened to Metro Man? These questions are answered in the last part of the film.
The script and screenplay of Megamind, by Alan J. Schoolcraft and Brent Simons, are very good. By turning the conventional super-hero-villain relationship upside down, the writers have managed to turn the ugly, blue-headed Megamind into an adorable character, in spite of all his villainy. It must be mentioned, however, that Megamind is never a real tormentor; all his ‘villainous’ actions are accompanied by humour, thus convincing the audience that he is a fake villain, meant to transform into the hero towards the end of the film. To that extent, the film’s story is predictable. Having said that, it must be added that the film will still be enjoyed by people, for its excellent dialogues – which are peppered with wit and sarcasm. A small back-story, about the genesis of Megamind and Metro Man’s rivalry, is also very interesting. Also watch out for the excellently choreographed action sequences and a Godfather spoof.
As far as the voice acting is concerned, funnyman Will Ferrell takes the cake. He is simply marvellous as the voice of Megamind. Brad Pitt plays Metro Man, the Mr. Goody-Two-Shoes, perfectly. Tina Fey, Ben Stiller and Jonah Hill are good, too.
Director Tom McGrath makes a palatable fare for the children and the adults alike. He tells his story with panache. The background score by Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe lightens up the frames. The editing by Michael Andrews is also good. DreamWorks surpasses itself yet again when it comes to the quality of animation. The film, made in INTRU 3D, is pleasing to the eyes, yet includes all the action scenes you can think of.
All in all, Megamind is a good film with a universal story but its appeal will be restricted to the city-based audiences in India. If you are one for Hollywood comedies, go for it!
Advertisement
