November 6, 2010 -- “Megamind” is a better than average 3D animated film about a reluctant hero that is somewhat reminiscent of other recent films like “Hancock” and “Despicable Me.” It isn't original, but it is funny, the story is cleverly constructed and the artwork is first-rate. This probably isn't going to get an Academy Award nomination next year, but it isn't bad.

Megamind is an alien from outer space raised on earth in a prison by convicts, while his arch enemy, Metro Man, also from space, is raised by wealthy parents with every privilege imaginable. Both of them are aliens from outer space, like Superman, and both have special powers. Metro Man has the same powers as Superman, except for a shortage of brainpower, while Megamind has plenty of brainpower, like that other old bald evil genius, Lex Luthor. The two do battle many times. Megamind reluctantly admits that Metro Man wins some battles, while Megamind “almost wins” once in a while. Finally, one day, Megamind vanquishes Metro Man once and for all, but he finds his victory hollow.

As the sole ruler of Metro City there is no one to challenge him. Megamind realizes at last that his life is empty without the challenge of Metro Man, so he dreams up a scheme where he will create a super hero so he will have someone to challenge him. His scheme backfires when he falls in love with a beautiful news reporter. He begins to undo some of the damage he did to the city. Eventually, Megamind is forced to take a good hard look at himself. He begins to wonder if his whole life has been a lie. Can he turn his back on his whole life and upbringing and become the super hero who saves Metro City from a real super villain? Is he up to this unique challenge? Can he become the good guy?

This story has a nice moral about how we make our own destinies and are judged by our actions. It also has a message that there won't always be a super hero to save you. Sometimes you have to stand up for yourself. Megamind tries to hide from his responsibility, he even voluntarily returns to his old home, prison, but he can't escape facing up to the greatest challenge of his life. As it was noted in “Spider-Man” -- With great power comes great responsibility. It turns out that even in the most unlikely character a hero, or a villain, may be lurking, just waiting for the opportunity to come to the surface. This film rates a B.

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Copyright © 2010 Robert Roten. All rights reserved.
Reproduced with the permission of the copyright holder.

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