Editor’s Note:  Pops Corn is back writing about film for OTBKB. We couldn’t be more pleased as we have missed his smart, incisive take on the movies. Pops: welcome back.

Perfectly timed for post-election reflection is George W. Bush’s Decision Points. Topping best-seller lists, the book asks readers to re-assess his presidency. Meanwhile, the #1 movie at the box office is Megamind, which, similarly timed, is both a thoroughly enjoyable children’s film and a plea to end partisan rhetoric.

The Will Ferrell-voiced titular villain is continually losing battles with Metro City’s all-American superhero, the Brad Pitt-voiced Metro Man.  When their feud ends, Megamind solves this dilemma by creating a new hero and sparring partner.  As it turns out, this new hero channels more evil than the dim-witted Megamind could ever fake.  It was Megamind’s destiny, his purpose, to be a bad guy. He aims to re-hash the same tired battles. So, what purpose does he serve if red vs. blue antagonism is played out?

Mirroring the endless Rep vs. Dem stand-offs so prevalent, so tiresome, every November, Tom McGrath’s Megamind calls to mind Ferrell’s best work, his collaborations with director Adam McKay (Stepbrothers, Anchorman). Like McKay’s work, Megamind is consistently funny, but offers something deeper and more challenging beyond the genre expectations.  A level of metaphor allows viewers to contemplate socio-political issues and explore existential concepts. Let it wash away this latest campaign season.