Monday, November 8, 2010

Bad to the Bone - Megamind Review




I saw Megamind yesterday. It was a roller coster of a good time. Here is the info from Wikipedia:

Megamind (Will Ferrell) is a super-intelligent alien who-- at the age of eight days old-- is sent to Earth from his home planet during a time of crisis. However, he lands in a prison thanks to another infant alien similarly sent from a different planet who eventually becomes a superhero known as Metro Man (Brad Pitt), defender of the fictional Metro City. As a result, Megamind is raised as a social deviant, who is neglected for his destructive intellect, with his fish-like sidekick Minion (David Cross) as his only friend. Realizing that he enjoys causing trouble, and jealous of all of the attention Metro Man receives, Megamind becomes a super villain to rival Metro Man, though he is thwarted on a regular basis. During one of his many attempts to defeat Metro Man, Megamind kidnaps news reporter Roxanne Ritchi (Tina Fey) and uses her as bait to lure Metro Man into the city observatory where Megamind intends to kill him with a death ray. The plan appears flawed enough for Metro Man to escape, but he proclaims that the inside of the observatory is lined with copper, which he says drains his power. Metro Man is apparently killed by the death ray, allowing Megamind to take over Metro City. Megamind is initially thrilled that he has finally defeated his archenemy, but soon grows depressed over the fact that without someone to fight, his life as a super villain no longer has any purpose.

The basic story will be familiar to any sci fi fan. It's Superman's story. But when the "hero" is out of the picture, what is the villain to do?

It's a very interesting idea. I think that it touches on some very basic needs. First and foremost, what is the meaning of life? What makes us happy? And what will we do when we get it all? (Pretty heavy stuff for a cartoon.)

Don't get me wrong. This movie is full of laughs. It's loaded with gags for the kids, but there are lots of jokes for the parents. For example, when Megamind takes over, city hall gets posters that say, "No You Can't" (mocking the famous Obama, "Yes, We Can" poster.)






There are lots of similar 'adult' jokes in there.

The supporting cast is there and they do a very good job moving the story along. But the main focus in on Megamind himself and his journey of self-discovery. And lets face it, anyone with a giant blue head that's as funny as Will Ferrell, can't be all "bad" can they? :)