cinematic roots of: ‘Megamind’

No movie springs from a vacuum. There are always influences from past examples of the genre, from the previous work of the filmmakers and stars, even from similar films that don’t quite work. If you want to understand where a movie is coming from, take a look at where it’s coming from.

In Megamind, Will Ferrell’s big-headed blue alien genius supervillain takes on Brad Pitt’s annoyingly ultragood Metro Man one last time. This flick sprang from (among other films):

• Superman: The Movie (1978), the classic caped-crusader movie, which lent more than a few tropes to Megamind, to hilarious effect.

• Madagascar (2005), also from director Tom McGrath, which similarly explores modern urban life through an unexpected prism; here, of how zoo animals all get along with one another.

• Meet the Robinsons (2007), for more animated supergenius adventure, don’t miss this delightful flick, about a brilliant family and their strange and wonderful inventions.

• Curious George (2006), for more of Will Ferrell in cartoon form, don’t miss him as The Man With the Yellow Hat in this lovely film, in which inquisitiveness and intelligence is warmly encouraged.