The sub zero heroes from 2002’s “Ice Age” are reunited in this surprisingly enjoyable animated sequel.
Because of global warming (we didn’t know they used aerosols back then) the ice age is coming to an end - not good news for woolly mammoth Manny (Romano), Sid the sloth (Leguizamo) and saber-toothed tiger Diego (Leary), as their glacial paradise is on the verge of a New Orleans-style washout.
Faced with imminent destruction our dysfunctional trio embark on a deadly mission across an ever-changing landscape to find a mythical Ark that appears to be their only hope of survival.
They say:
Total Film: “A pacy, polished sequel, easily equal to the first Ice Age movie. Entertainingly wet and wacky – with the squirrel stealing the show.”
Guardian: “A competent sequel designed and marketed to capitalise on the first film's popularity; but the spark of real magic isn't there.”
Empire: “Story wise, this can't hold a candle to its predecessor, but it's a decent enough sequel – one which will doubtless keep younger viewers enthralled.”
We say:
After not really enjoying the first “Ice Age” offering, news that we had to review a sequel was greeted with frosty silence at Mansized HQ.
However, this bright, witty and pleasantly short follow-up gradually thawed our initial cynicism, proving to be a thoroughly enjoyable experience for kids and adults alike.
The main reason for this is Scrat, the prehistoric squirrel/ rat who spent the first film chasing after a perpetually elusive acorn.
Here, his role – while still concentrated on getting his claws on his perfect nut - has been significantly expanded and provides endless comic distraction between the poorly plotted main story.
Other highlights include some nasty pre-ice age sea monsters, a cheeky “Saving Private Ryan” pastiche and a cracking joke about a dodo.
After other recent animal animations such as “Madagascar” and “Chicken Little”, the genre was skating on very thin ice but “The Meltdown” is a welcome, and long overdue, return to form.
CAST
Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Jay Leno,
Queen Latifah, Seann William Scott, Will Arnett
DIRECTOR
Carlos Saldanha
TIME
91 mins
POSTED...
Mon 10 Apr 2006 at 11:18pm
