Entertainment : Front Row of the Balcony: 'Megamind' highlights benefits of 3D effects

Those of you who donated to the Palace digital campaign can see in this week’s movie the full result of your efforts.

“Megamind” in 3D astounded the audience – especially its children – with its 3D and surround sound effects. Even the previews – of "Tangled" and "Yogi Bear" – looked great in 3D.

The animated film featuring Brad Pitt, Tina Fey, Jonah Smith and Will Ferrell tells the story of Megamind, who grew up trying to be as good as Metroman. But all Megamind could be good at was being bad. So he pursued a career as the villain who was constantly getting defeated by Metroman.

Then one day, the unthinkable happened: Metroman lost, leaving the villain to rule the city.

But not having any competition bored Megamind out of his mind, and he went about trying to create a new superhero who could challenge him.

He fails, of course, causing a crisis and leading Megamind to realize that our choices determine our destiny more than anything else.

Why you should go

The story is unique, original and mostly entertaining. There was a spot about 1/3 of the way through where the writers seemed to walk away, leaving the audience in limbo. But a few minutes later the story returned. The movie was complex enough to entertain the adults and simple enough for the children –and adults like me – to appreciate. And of course, it’s the only $3 3D in the whole wide world.

What you should know before you go

“Highway to Hell” would not have been my first choice for a soundtrack for an animated film directed to children. The movie is rated PG for action violence and crude humor. I heard a young boy who had seen the movie over the weekend laughing about the scene where Megamind tries on his new uniform and has a slight wardrobe malfunction.

My favorite part

Hearing the reaction to the children to the action and 3D effects was what I remember most fondly about "Megamind."