Megamind is a 2010 animated superhero comedy film produced by DreamWorks Animation and directed by Tom McGrath. The film features the voices of notable actors including Will Ferrell as Megamind, Tina Fey as Roxanne Ritchi, Jonah Hill as Hal Stewart (also known as Tighten), David Cross as Minion, and Brad Pitt as Metro Man. Released on November 5, 2010, the film explores themes of identity, purpose, and redemption through a humorous lens.
The story centers around Megamind, a highly intelligent alien supervillain who has spent his life battling his nemesis, the superhero Metro Man. After finally defeating Metro Man, Megamind finds himself feeling lost and purposeless without a hero to challenge him. In an attempt to fill this void, he creates a new superhero using Metro Man's DNA. However, things take a turn when this new hero becomes an even greater threat than Megamind himself. The plot unfolds with Megamind trying to navigate his new role in Metro City while confronting the consequences of his actions.
Critically, Megamind received generally positive reviews upon its release. It holds a score of 73% on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 63, indicating favorable reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film was praised for its witty script, engaging voice performances, and vibrant animation. It cleverly subverts traditional superhero tropes by depicting the supervillain in a sympathetic light, allowing audiences to relate to Megamind's struggles and growth throughout the film.
Financially, Megamind performed well at the box office, grossing approximately $321.9 million worldwide against a budget of $130 million. Its success has led to the development of a franchise that includes video games and a short film titled Megamind: The Button of Doom, released in 2011. Furthermore, a sequel titled Megamind vs. the Doom Syndicate is set to premiere on March 1, 2024.
Overall, Megamind stands out as an entertaining animated feature that combines humor with deeper themes of self-discovery and transformation, making it appealing to both children and adult audiences alike. Its unique take on the superhero genre has helped it maintain a lasting popularity since its release.