Pixar Studios is the master when it comes to animated films that amuse kids with wondrous visuals and elaborate gags while engaging adults with its deft handling of mature themes. Other studios have tried to emulate their success with decidedly mixed results. Dreamworks Animation enters the breach once more with Megamind, an over-hyped riff on the Superman myth that is at once one of the most visually stunning films of the year and yet one of the most plodding.
Megamind (voice by Will Ferrell), a blue alien whose insecurities are the only thing bigger than his oversized head, has lived his life in the shadow of Metroman (Brad Pitt), another alien who came to Earth at the same time but who naturally assumed the mantle of the planet’s resident do-gooder. Relegated to trying to undercut his rival at every turn, Megamind’s world is turned upside down when he finally succeeds in vanquishing Metroman and finds himself without purpose. In trying to make another hero to go toe-to-toe with, he instead creates Titan (Jonah Hill), a super-powered adolescent with a grudge who winds up being so bad that Megamind must assume the hero’s role to stop him.
The existential angst Megamind wrestles with is initially charming but it eventually drags the film down to the point that it never recovers. Moping around, moaning that his purpose for living is gone, the alien’s woes cast a pall over the film that strains for laughs. The screenplay by Alan Schoolcraft and Brent Simmons is never as funny as it should be, but director Tom McGrath’s eye for spectacle nearly saves the day. His Metrocity is a wonder to behold, a super city befitting superheroes, so much so I was hoping the real Man of Steal would show up. But alas, no one arrives to save the day here, as Megamind learns too late to quit whining and get down to super-business.
Contact Chuck Koplinski at ckoplinski@usd116.org.
This article appears in Nov 4-10, 2010.
