Sometimes its the little things that make the big impact. In this case itis the DreamWorks animated superhero film "Megamind" ,starring Will Ferrell, that achieved more than one gives credit for. People may see it only as just another "kid's flick". In reality, it saved the superhero film industry.
The 2000's saw the comic book movie genre explode with film like X-Men, Spider-Man, and Fantastic Four. Then 2008 happened with the release of historical game-changers Iron Man and The Dark Knight. Everything seemed well, but X-Men Origins: Wolverine left a bad taste in peoples eyes and Watchmen drew mixed reception in 2009. Iron Man 2 was looking to continue the momentum that started in 2008, but it ended up disappointing a legion of fans. Superhero movies seemed like a waste of time. That is, until "Megamind" launched into theaters late in 2010 to critical acclaim from critics and the audience alike. It had clever dialogue, intriguing storyline, impressive animation, and everything else you would want to see in a movie, let alone a superhero movie. The audience didn't lose hope after seeing that spectacular superhero film and that reactivated buzz for Captain America and Thor's big screen debut.
One thing that stood out from "Megamind" was the soundtrack. It featured songs like "Welcome to the Jungle"(Guns and Roses) and Highway to Hell(AC/DC). Most superhero films use scores/themes for their soundtracks, but "Megamind" proved it could be even more successful to use already established songs mixed into one sizzling soundtrack. Guardians of the Galaxy took that to heart and became a cult classic. Would baby Groot be dancing to " I Want You Back" by the Jackson 5 if Megamind hadn't danced to "Bad" by Michael Jackson 4 years prior?"Megamind" made it acceptable!
Not only that, but Megamind operated as a comedy. With jokes like "Ollo" and "The Black MAAAMMMBAAAA!!!!", the audience didn't just feel like watching a film with men in tights. They humor to keep the folks invested. Iron Man and The Dark Knight had its jokes, but they weren't "comedies". After "Megamind" came out, Marvel executed "The Avengers", "Iron Man 3", and "Guardians of the Galaxy" among others as full-blown comedies and they ended up breaking box-office records! Who doesn't like a good laugh? Megamind brought to fascinating genres together, Superhero & comedy, and created a new breed of film entertainment.
Females are making a statement in the superhero film role, and that's only increasing with Wonder Women and Captain Marvel set for their own films in the near future. There was a time where female were only there to serve as thedamsel in distress. Roxanne Ritchi from "Megamind" changed that. Early on in the movie she made it clear she was in charge by making Megamind and MetroMan look like fools during one of their confrontations. "Girls, Girls, you're bothpretty, can I go home now?" The film made it obvious she always escape thekidnaps by herself and did most of the saving of others. Since then, Pepper saved Tony and defeated Fire Man in "Iron Man 3" & Tao killed her grandpa to save Wolverine in "The Wolverine". Girls can kick bad-guy booty too and its still AWESOME!!!
So yeah, the superhero film industry was saved by a DreamWorks animated film named "Megamind" that many people seem to overlook nowadays. It regenerated the buzz surrounding superhero films after a string of disappointments and failures. "Megamind" also paved the way with how superhero films can stay fresh and generate even more money than thought possible. More elements are addedon to superhero films nowadays such as electrifying soundtracks and females doing the hero duty all thanks to "Megamind".I'm sure theres more ways Megamind contributed to the superhero film industry. If so, please let me know in the comment section below! Thank you for reading- WimpyKid4Life