27/50: Megamind

This actually worked for me. It was something I hadn't really seen before. A good vs. evil that I hadn't seen, but it is possible it has been done before.

Megamind (Will Ferrell) and Metro Man (Brad Pitt) are from a different planet that is blown up and both are sent to Earth in order to save their lives. As their lives progress on Earth, Megamind turns into a huge villain while Metro Man becomes the superhero of Metropolis.

Megamind and his sidekick, Minion (David Cross), are always trying to take over Metropolis and Metro Man is always able to thwart their plans. It is so predictable that when Megamind captures Metro Man's girlfriend, Roxanne Ritchie (Tina Fey) - and local TV reporter - she knows everything that he is about to do before he even does it.

But, when Megamind blows up Metro Man and the city is suddenly without its superhero, the city is taken over by its villain.

Megamind, however, begins to feel different, despite having everything that he has always wanted. What point is it in being a villain without a hero to try and stop you?

So, he tries to create another superhero, and accidentally creates one in the form of Ritchie's cameraman, Hal Stewart (Jonah Hill).

I have to admit I was surprised. I wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did and to be surprised by the plot so much. Still not as great as some of the other animation films as last year, but still totally worth the watch.

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Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel

Like I have said in the past, it is very difficult for Mrs. Kano and I to watch movies any more until after my son goes to bed. Well, he is also a fan of movies and we as parents will watch these movies with him.

Sometimes, like in the case of a Shrek or Toy Story, I don't really mind watching them - because frankly I love those movies. Still, sometimes there is that stinker like The Tooth Fairy that leaves you a little less pleased.

Last year my son and I watched the first live-action Alvin & The Chipmunks and although it wasn't amazing, it certainly wasn't an abomination either. It was actually pretty sweet and had a little bit of humor.

So, last week we tossed in the sequel (or squeakquel whatever that means), Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel and unfortunately it didn't live up the original. My son liked it, so that is what matters - but the kid in me did not (as much).

A few points that killed it for me (spoilers possible):

The subtraction without truly being subtracted of Dave (Jason Lee). In the film Dave has an accident and is forced to stay in the hospital for most of the film. Lee was probably what made the first film so interesting - so forcing him into the background was a big mistake. They 'replaced' him with cousin Toby (Zachary Levi), who just didn't live up to Lee.

Bringing back Ian (David Cross) as the villain. I mean come on - two movies and you have the exact same villain to overcome in both. I am not sure if Cross had a two picture deal or what, but there could have been a better storyline than bringing his character back.

One of the main parts of the first film was when the chipmunks help Dave get back together with his former girlfriend, Claire (Cameron Richardson). But, she is completely missing with no mention of her in the entire film.

A few things I felt worked, but with everything above didn't work as well as it should have:

The introduction of The Chipettes. Obviously if you are a fan of Alvin & The Chipmunks at all then you are familiar with The Chipettes, so it was only natural that they would be introduced at some point.

Both sets of chipmunks entering high school. Again, back to the cartoon - The Chipmunks lived life like any other kid, which included going to school. So this made sense to me - and opened up a ton of possibilities (including the sibling rivalry that become apparent with Simon and Alvin).

Look, I am not going to say don't see this film, but I felt it was sort of lazy to bring back the same exact villain as the first film (especially on the sequel immediately following that first film). Also, if you are going to have Jason Lee, why put him as a background character?

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