Movie Review: Megamind (2010)

March 1, 2011 / Leave a Comment

MEGAMIND

BY CHRISTOPHER HASKELL
MARCH 1, 2011

Even with the perfect cast and animated film-like-ability, the result does not necessarily spell perfection. “Megamind” is the perfect example of this. Will Ferrell is a laugh-a-minute comedic actor whose voice alone should cause sidesplitting laughter. Still, there is some element missing from “Megamind” that degrades the film’s overall effect. I will probably get shunned for this negative feedback towards the family favorite, but if “Megamind” taught me anything, it was that I am what I am.

“Megamind” follows closely in the footsteps of the animated features of “Monsters Vs. Aliens”, “Despicable Me,” and “The Incredibles.” Superheroes, villains, and aliens are the current generation’s hip characters in children’s films. I am not entirely sure why this fad plagues almost every family film released lately, but “Megamind” takes me as far as I am willing to go, and it completely lost me.

Even though the subject matter stays on par with most previous releases in the last few years, the comedic value steers away from the Hollywood norm. Features like “Shrek” combine two levels of humor and entertainment to bridge any generation gap (animation and childish jokes mixed with dirty humor delivered like a silent dog whistle that children do not understand yet keep adults entertained throughout the film). “Megamind” is flat out for the younger audience members.

The film’s plot falls flat with the slaughtered good guy versus misunderstood evil villain scenario. Much like Tina Fey’s character Roxanne coaxes at Megamind, the movie itself is too predictable and bland. Megamind is bullied for being different, becomes a villain, sees the error of his ways, and must redeem himself. To be completely blunt, “Megamind” was boringly average. The three stars it gets from me are primarily for the voice acting and the attempt at realistic animation.

Right down to the animation, I have not even convinced the film was solid. Jonah Hill’s character, Hal Stewart (and alter-ego Tighten), is so poorly animated that I found the film hard to watch. Toss in three different spiraling love stories, and the film becomes more or less a disaster.

“Megamind” fails even to make a blip on my scale of animated greats like the recent Academy Award winner “Toy Story 3”, Academy Award nominee “How to Train Your Dragon,” and even the current “Shrek Forever After.” “Megamind” had all the right parts but was poorly constructed on all levels. Had the filmmakers perhaps given the film more time, it could live up to its predecessors and be worth more than a one-time rental.

Perhaps I missed the humor, or “Megamind” did not contain any. Just like I disliked “Despicable Me,” “Megamind” falls into the animated feature category of films that just missed their mark.