Hardest gig in town...
2 stars (out of 5)
Director: Tom McGrath
Cast: Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Brad Pitt, David Cross, Jonan Hill, Ben Stiller
Rating: (PG)
Doing an animation feature is the hardest gig in Hollywood. Not just for all the technical stuff but because for some weird reason we expect more from animation.
If you see something with actors and it keeps your attention and most of the details held together, you rate it a success. If you leave an animation film thinking "that mostly worked", it has been a failure, because you expect an animated movie to blow your socks off.
Megamind (Rialto and Hoyts) is serviceable enough, but it lacks that extra zip that leaves you buzzing because you love that little fish guy and every time you think of him you find yourself smiling.
I enjoyed Megamind as I watched it but afterwards was surprised to find myself mentally shrugging over its merits. In a sort of parody of Superman, Megamind (Will Ferrell) is sent to Earth as a baby at the same time as another alien baby, Metro Man (Brad Pitt).
Being blue with a huge bald head, Megamind never managed to fit in unlike Mr Perfect, Metro Man. Becoming a super-villain seemed his only option but when one of his evil plans actually works, Megamind finds that pure evil is no fun without someone good as counterpoint. Complications ensue and it is all sweetly mild fun.
Best thing: Megamind is Ferrell's best character ever. It turns out that he can act, just as long as he is drawn.
Worst thing: Sadly for them, Despicable Me got there first.
See it with: Who are we kidding? You are going to take your kids. Just do not expect them to be that grateful afterwards.
- Christine Powley.
