Hopefully, you haven’t seen too many previews for Megamind. I managed to avoid most of them. And as such, all but a couple of the gags were really funny and the various plot twists were actually surprising. I can’t say the script completely avoids predictability. It is Hollywood, after all. But it is thoroughly enjoyable.

Megamind is your classic turn-the-stereotypes-upside-down tale that Shrek (you know, the good one, before it became a pathetic franchise) set the bar for. Whoever was in charge of casting on this show deserves every award they can get. The “hero” is a gag-me-sweet, suave media darling. (Brad Pitt… Heck ya!) The “damsel in distress” is a wry, sarcastic wise-cracker. (Tina Fey… Nailed it!) And the “villain” is a cutely naive klutz with a crush. (Will Ferrell… Have you seen Elf?!)

A movie poster containing both “Dreamworks” and “Will Ferrell” may have you concerned. You don’t want your kids repeating the same fart jokes for the next month. (Ahem… Shrek.) But not to fear. The humor manages to avoid the bathroom (mostly). It’s smart enough to entertain the grown ups and silly enough to keep the kids rolling. There are several pop-culture gags that the kids probably won’t even catch. (Keep eye out for the original Donkey Kong.) And most importantly, it really is just darned cute. The character animation for Ferrell’s Megamind is brilliant. For a guy with a giant, blue head; he really can warm your heart.

Long story short, see this movie! Take your kids! You will love it!! It easily earns these four grins.