With all the superhero-themed movies hitting the big screen in recent months and years, it is becoming hard to come up with new material. “Megamind,” the new animated superhero dreamed up by Dreamworks, gets around the “new material” need by following the formula set forth by so many movies before it.
Directed by Tom McGrath, the movie follows the life of Megamind, voiced by Will Farrell, from his time as a baby. He he is shipped to Earth, lands inside the walls of a prison and is raised as a criminal. His rival is Metro Man, who was also sent away from Megamind’s home planet. He, however, llanded with a perfect family and grew up to be a superhero. To get even with Metro Man, Megamind kidnaps his girlfriend, Roxanne Ritchi, voiced by Tina Fey.
While the story follows the same redundant formula, the characters stand out. Farrell gives a good feeling on Megamind with a performance that reveals the insecurities of the “evil” main character. David Cross is strong in a supporting role as Minion, Megamind’s fish/robot friend. Fey, as Roxanne, lends a voice and attitude that works well with the odd love story that unfolds between her character and Megamind.
So although the movie is as much a formula superhero flick as they come, it has plenty of redeeming qualities, including a 3D release, that make it worthwhile for a moviegoer to see. The movie should do well with audiences who are not opposed to see the same old thing, done a slightly different way.