Megamind [Blu-ray] [2010]

This is one of those movies that critics labelled as derivative and a copycat movie of other movies released at about the same. All of these criticisms are without foundation and complete rubbish.I sometimes suspect that after critics have given rave reviews for a series of movies of a certain genre they feel like they have to criticise the next one that comes along, or alternatively they have to praise one excessively over and above all the praise of earlier movies.Sadly for Megamind the critics decided that it was about time they criticized an animated movie. In fact some of the criticisms are so far removed from the plot of the movie or its humour and voice acting, I actually suspect that the critics in question havent actually seen it.I'm not suggesting this is Citizen Kane, but in its own little niche and it has made it's own little niche, it's fun. It's not a copy of the Incredibles or of Despicable Me, despite what the critics say. The humour mix is quite different and the message is different as well but more subtle.The Incredibles is about super heroes being castigated for being powerful and people fearing that power and it's also partly about greedy self-seeking people finding an opportunity to harass those who are trying to protect them because they can make money out of it.Despicable Me has a message that's closer to Megamind in as much as the villain in that story has been brought up by a villainous family and he's trying to meet the expectations of his mother and his fellow villains so it's peer and family pressure that it's really about and also about finding your own way and taking on responsibility, as with the orphans that Gru adopts. In other words it's also about growing up.Conversely MegaMind is about the duality of heroes and villains. Megamind is a villain because like Gru in Despicable Me he's been raised to be a villain, but also additionally because he looks different, and to people's minds villanous; people distrust him. As to the 'superhero' of the movie, he is actually no more heroic than the next person. He's been heroic because it's expected of him, because he's powerful and he looks heroic. He doesn't actually enjoy it that much and would prefer to take it easy and do his own thing.Whereas Megamind only enjoys being a villain because of the excitement, the challenge, the danger and the opportunity to prove himself and overcome great odds. He wants people to respect him. In other words many of qualities you usually see in a hero. The message is subtly different to the other two superhero or supervillain style movies it has been compared to and I think that's why in reality it fell flat with the critics.They came to the movie with their brains switched off, they thought it's a kid's movie it's not going to demand anything from us except a few chuckles.Well, it is funny, it has first rate animation and is tightly plotted, but it is yet another example of a good movie badly served by half asleep critics.

I love this film. Excellent animation great characters, cool story and it even made me laugh at the right times.Megamind has always been in the shadow of Metropolises top hero, a generic superman clone (Metroman) with all of Superman's powers. First having his rocket knocked of course so instead of being raised by rich but stupid parents he is raised by crooks in jail. In nursery he realises the only way he can beat his arch rival is by being bad a making him his nemesis. As you might have guess from the title Magamind is super smart but clumsy "evil" but his heart is in the right place. After year of planning scheming and battling what happen if he finally wins? Without a worthy hero out there Magamind must redefine himself, especially if he is to get the girl of his dreams. Not everything is at is seems.A great film, if you like superheroes, comedy, or just great stories this is well worth watching Megamind has the perfect balance brilliance, comedy, slapstick, and action.

A CGI animated movie that puts it's own unique spin on Superhero stories. In this case, seeing it all through the eyes of the villain.An opening sequence narrated by main character Megamind [Will Ferrell] tells us his tale. Like Superman, sent to Earth as a baby as his planet died. But being big headed and blue skinned left him a misfit from the start. Not least alongside Metro Man [Brad Pitt]. Whilst the latter grew up to be the handsome superheroic protector of Metro City, Megamind had nofriends other than Minion [David Cross] his faithful fish sidedkick, and was destined to be the bad guy.And so things have proceeded since. Megamind and Metro Man have battled many times. Megamind has almost won a few of these encounters.Caught in the middle of all this is Roxanne Ritchi [Tina Fey] intrepid reporter.Right from the off it's obvious that Megamind isn't evil, just a person looking for acceptance. But when he actually manages to defeat his arch rival, what does he do next with his life?And when a new evil arises to threaten the city, who will save the day?This has gorgeous and eye catching animation which grabs the attention right from the off. Nothing being one hundred realistic but nothing is an out and out characature. Plus a great cast of characters, all superbly brought to life by an excellent voice cast. All of whom play everything just straight enough to avoid slipping into characature and make their characters three dimensional. Megamind and Minion do have a fun dynamic and Tina Fey, although stuck with a role that could easily be straightwoman to all the comedy going on around, manages to get humour in.All the comedy arises out of character rather than slapstick and needs of the plot. And all the characters develop nicely. As does the plot, with at least one good development you won't see coming.All this plus an excellent soundtrack makes for a superhero movie different from the norm and one that's a lot of fun with it. It is one of those films that will work on different levels for different ages, so it's great fun for all to watch.Do keep watching during the end credits, also.Languages and subtitles on the dvd are:Languages: English.Subtitles: English.The disc begins with trailers, which can be skipped via the next button on the dvd remote. And which turn up on the disc elsewhere anyhow.Extras are:A single deleted scene, with an introduction by one of the producers. It's worth a look.Filmmaker's commentary: A commentary from several of the production staff. But none of the cast.Meet the cast of Megamind: A nine minute long making of feature. With good contributions from cast and crew.Previews: Mostly the same trailers from the start of the disc.World of Dreamwork's animation: trailers and musical clips from four other movies from the same animation studio.Which has a slightly awkward main menu, but you will get the hang of it.