Megamind

Is it possible to dislike a film that humorously subverts comic book superhero and supervillain clichés, while playing bangers by AC/DC, Black Sabbath and Guns´n´ Roses? Hardly. A reliable mood lifter and a pleasant surprise in one. (26/02/2011)

Megamind can serve as a typical example of DreamWorks Animation projects. Their productions have always lagged behind the competition in terms of technical quality, but their strength lies in their screenplays. However, besides Megamind’s imaginative and well-developed concept, which can be described as the negative antipole to The Incredibles, this time the studio also deserves praise for its animation, which is based on the plasticity of the characters and combines the exaggerated malleability of 3D models with the extremely expressive facial expressions that are typical of classic animated slapstick. (08/07/2023)

Since the release of Shrek, there hasn't been an animated film that systematically parodies pop culture and established production schemes of the entertainment industry. While Shrek parodied traditional Disney movies, which were based on a universally known fairy tale world, Megamind satirizes superhero comics, specifically Superman, which somewhat limits its impact. There is another fundamental difference in that Shrek was full of effective jokes and characters, each of which resonated with different viewers. Megamind has a much simpler basic structure and fewer effective gags. It is certainly a smart film, but that doesn't necessarily mean it is the most entertaining or commercially successful. Although I consider it better than the recent Despicable Me, and also more daring, Despicable Me will most likely be significantly more successful because it is much more conventional and less demanding in terms of thinking. Megamind, despite having the form of a classic family animated film, can be appreciated more by older viewers who can apply their perspective and genre knowledge. Megamind takes aim at genre conventions, precisely those that Despicable Me strictly adheres to. While the older The Incredibles only used and built upon superheroes, Megamind works with the genre more creatively and turns it upside down. Overall impression: 75%. (07/12/2010)

They must have spent a fortune on those songs. Other than that, great idea milked to the last drop. Metro Man’s image has a little Elvis in it, which made my day. Brad Pitt even gets to reminisce about his guitar beginnings in Johnny Suede. And the head bad guy’s fishy side-kick is just awesome. An unexpectedly pleasant watch. (10/02/2011)

Once again, the high standard that the filmmakers have set in recent years with films like Monsters Inc. and The Incredibles is easily maintained. I wouldn't compare Megamind with those animated gems, but its quality is close enough at least. And there's not even much need to list the positives, because from my point of view it's always the same with these films: the most important thing is humour, together with witty catchphrases or hilarious references, and Megamind has plenty of that. And if I add a highly original plot and a great musical score, I get 85%. (30/09/2011)

If it didn't come out in the same year as "Despicable Me," maybe I would have a even better impression of it because it deals with what I like - superheroes and supervillains. But "Despicable Me" appealed to me much more, after all, even the emotional storyline was better built. Here, the original doesn't significantly heighten it, not even Brad Pitt's voice, although it suited it as well. (07/03/2014)