Heroes & villains

Film review: Megamind

MANILA, Philippines - Dreamworks Animation’s latest is Megamind; and it’s a rollicking, entertaining look into the minds and lives of heroes and villains, their expectations, insecurities, pitfalls, strengths and weaknesses — and this is all done in a humorous, fun-laden vein. With the likes of Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Brad Pitt, Jonah Cross and David Spade providing the voices, and directed by Tom McGrath; one has to applaud Dreamworks for pulling the lid off all the superheroes films and TV shows we’ve seen over the years, and putting these extraordinary denizens of our imagination, back where they belong — as being essentially human after all.

Megamind (Will Ferrell) is the constant nemesis of Metro Man (Brad Pitt), who in Superman-like manner, has a special relationship with newscaster Roxanne Ritchi (Tina Fey). Roxanne is not only the apple of the eye of Metro Man and Megamind, but even her news team cameraman, Hal (Jonah Hill), carries a torch for our reporter. With the help of fishhead Minion (David Cross), Megamind actually manages to defeat Metro Man, and takes over Metro City — pronounced by Megamind with an accent on the second syllable, to rhyme with atrocity. With no one to challenge him, Megamind finds that along with Roxanne, he actually misses Metro Man, and that his existence as a supervillain rests on the constant battling with a superhero. To this end, he transforms Hal into a superhero named Titan — which of course, dweeb Hal, mistakes as Tighten. Malapropisms, sight gags, missed connections and thwarted intentions form the bulk of the humor to be found in the screenplay of Megamind, and other than a few moments when the pace flags, we’re treated to an endless procession of fully enjoyable gags and vignettes. The relationship and interplay between Megamind and Minion is especially precious, and I found that to be the most enjoyable.

Coming on the heels of Despicable Me, it was just funny to notice that here again is an animated film that would have us rooting for the dastardly villain; perhaps a sign of how trends in animation also has copycat parameters. Fortunately for the audience, Will Ferrell attacks the Megamind role with gusto and seems to be enjoying himself immensely. Along with Tina Fey as straightman via Roxanne, and with David Cross’ Minion as foil, it’s their scenes that truly keep the film chugging along. Watched it in 3D and that did enhance the experience. Unlike a feature like Up!, there aren’t more serious, tender moments; but that’s not to say that this isn’t a film that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. Another feather in the cap for Dreamworks; and in my opinion, a stronger film than their earlier release this year, How To Train Your Dragon.