November 17, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 27
‘Megamind’ is inspired by other movies, but original
by Dennis Seuling There is a difference between an outright copy and a movie that intelligently pieces together elements of other movies to come up with something new and refreshing. “Megamind” falls into the latter category. Viewers will be reminded of “The Incredibles,” “Toy Story,” “Despicable Me,” and an assortment of superhero flicks, yet the film has a charm all its own and a lush visual style, enhanced by 3-D. In a script page right out of the “Superman” legend, baby versions of Megamind and Metro Man are placed in space capsules and launched to safety before their planets are destroyed. As the capsules travel through space, a freakish occurrence causes them to cross paths, landing Metro Man (Brad Pitt) on Earth among the rich and privileged and onto a path toward becoming a superhero. Megamind (Will Ferrell), on the other hand, winds up in a prison and is destined to enter a life of crime and villainy. Metro Man continuously prevails over Megamind’s wicked schemes, and reporter Roxanne Ritchi (Tina Fey) is regularly kidnapped and rescued. The battle of good against evil could not be plainer, with the look of the lead characters taking a note from those movie Westerns where the good guy wore white and the bad guy was dressed in black. Square-jawed Metro Man has a broad, glistening smile and practically glows in his snazzy costume while bluefaced Megamind prefers dark, floor-length robes and gloomy surroundings. The film’s primary conflict kicks in when, unexpectedly, Megamind successfully defeats Metro Man and declares himself Evil Overlord. Rather than feel elated by the elimination of his foremost adversary, Megamind mopes around without purpose. There is no force of good to challenge him and life has become dull. He decides to create a new superhero from the DNA on Metro Man’s cape. “Megamind” moves along briskly, though many of its gags seem geared more to older viewers than kids. There is a sequence that features an extended parody of Marlon Brando’s Jor-El from “Superman: The Movie.” It’s fun, but will undoubtedly be lost on those too young to have seen that picture. Vocal talents are quite good. Ferrell is excellent at invigorating animated images with personality, and his Megamind is an interesting, complex character. Tina Fey is a spunky Lois Lane-style reporter, always going for news angles, no matter the personal risk. Her Roxanne Ritchi is fun and intelligent. Jonah Hill is great as Roxanne’s nerdy cameraman who transforms into a pretty wicked character all his own. Now a word about whether to see the film in 3-D or standard 2-D: This is both an artistic and financial consideration, since
Roxanne Ritchi (Tina Fey) and Megamind (Will Ferrell) in ‘Megamind.’
3-D movies command a higher admission price. In an animated movie made for 3D exhibition (as opposed to a live-action film retrofitted for 3-D such as the disastrous “Clash of the Titans”), every scene is designed to use the technique to enhance the storytelling and make it more dazzling. In “Megamind,” there are airborne battle scenes, flying sequences around skyscrapers and more subtle uses of the technique. The film is being released in IMAX 3-D, regular 3-D, and standard versions. My suggestion would be to opt for a 3-D viewing. There is a fun and “wow” factor view-
ers won’t get in the standard, flat version. Rated PG, the 96-minute “Megamind” provides a new spin on the superhero vs. villain theme, creating new, memorable characters along the way. The title character is the best, the most textured, the most amusing, and the one with the best lines. The jokes don’t come a mile a minute, but the film satisfies with its energy, beautiful visuals, and peppy dialogue. Best of all, this is a movie adults will enjoy without feeling trapped in the multiplex. Be sure to stay for the final credits: A surprise awaits.
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Roasted Turkey Fresh Turkey Gravy Fresh Herb and Sausage Stuffing Cranberry Sauce Honey Glazed Sweet Yams PACKAGE A $ 210 - Feeds 6 15 1b. Turkey 1 Pie, 6 Rolls Mashed Potatoes or Butternut Squash Green Beans Almondine Dinner Rolls Choice of Pie (Apple, Pecan or Pumpkin) PACKAGE C $ 300 - Feeds 18/20 25 1b. Turkey 3 Pies, 20 Rolls
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PACKAGE B $ 240 - Feeds 8/12 18/20 1b. Turkey 2 Pies, 12 Rolls
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Sides and Pies also available for order separately.
Limited number of orders will be taken. *48 hour Cancellation Policy in Effect. All orders must be placed no later than 6:00pm Friday, November 19, 2010.
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Call Xavier to place your order: 201-445-2881 or E-Mail Legends.Steakhouse@mafl.com BAR ONLY - OPENS 6:00PM
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