MEGAMIND

Megamind plays like a hodgepodge of various well-known films' best attributes. Our big headed (and bigheaded) blue alien avoids his home planet's destruction after his parents place him in an escape pod headed for Earth. On the way, he is knocked off course and ends up in the care of the prison system where he quickly learns the right (burglars) from wrong (police officers).

We also see that another child has survived certain doom; this one having the good fortune of landing in a home of opulence. His future of course takes a different path. Metro Man is his name. He of a chiseled jaw, perfect hair and physique; a stark contrast to the cobalt one with the upside down pear shaped noggin. On appearance alone they naturally are destined to be enemies.

Adding to the long list of alliterative supporting ladies is Roxanne Ritchi, the local reporter (duh). She is voiced by Tina Fey who somewhat plays the straight arrow to the two super-humans. The promos would have us believe that the film depicts an epic showdown between Megamind (Will Ferrell) and Metro Man (Brad Pitt). This is not the case. It's a wonder why Pitt was even cast in the role, as he is certainly not around long enough to justify his presumed tremendous salary.

The strongest section is when Megamind stands victorious, having unexpectedly vanquished his longtime foe. He patterns Metro City in his own image, although the fun doesn't last very long. A villain's life is a lonesome one without a hero to battle. Amazingly, Ferrell has never fronted an animated picture--seemingly the perfect vehicle for his familiar zaniness. For the most part he is stronger when not counted on to completely carry a picture. He has loads of help here, which allows Ferrell to shine accordingly in a role that suits his comedic flair. Jonah Hill voices Hal Stewart, Roxanne's camera man who finds himself in possession of newly discovered gifts. My favourite character was the sidekick Minion (David Cross): a talking, intelligent fish who sports a robotic, furry body.

I saw the film in 2-D, and it looked great. Animated films are the best type to be converted into the in-your-face format, but I'm still not convinced it's for the better. The rightful argument is that the colour is sacrificed for hollow visual improvements, many times tacky and unconvincing. At present time, it doesn't outweigh the additional cost.

I'm not sure if this adds anything new to the genre. The Incredibles did super-powered better, while Despicable Me properly tackled the misunderstood criminal. Ferrell offers something special here though. Megamind, for all his vast intellect, still can't properly pronounce the name of the city he occupies. But, at least he looks good in black spandex and his custom baby seal leather boots.