September 18, 2009
Review - " Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs "
(in theaters) By Roland Hansen
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Based on the children’s novel, Cloudy follows Flint on his journey to be a scientist but also just to make his dad proud of him.
Living in a small town on an island, Sam Sparks rolls into town to cover the sardine park unveiling. As her first real weather
reporter assignment, Sparks has her debut ruined by Flint. The two quickly join forces though when his failure turns into a
pretty good weather story – its raining food. But Flint’s dad questions Flint’s new scheme while the rest of the town and
eventually world embrace the concept. The scheming Mayor says it best when he asks Flint what he would rather have – one
dad’s approval or the devotion of thousands of acquaintances?
Cloudy embraces its rather
cheesy state (er, nacho
cheese fountain to be exact)
and with comedic actors
Hader and Faris as the leads
allows for kids and adults to
find plenty to enjoy. Neil
Patrick Harris did a great job
keeping me laughing with
quick one-liners as Steve
the monkey.
Movie geeks may especially
appreciate the nod to many
other films such as “Star Wars”
and a bunch of disaster films
including “Twister” and
“Independence Day.” And evil Gummi Bears on the wing of the plane were the perfect nod to “Twilight Zone.”
As for the 3D Sony’s first attempt with their new digital software was actually quite impressive. The images were crisp, and
the effect actually stunning at certain times (like a simple shot of the ocean that made it feel as if the waves were rolling out
into the theater). The most impressive thing of “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” is the 3D element. While it is released in
both 2D and 3D, the 3D adds the extra depth to help this film look even more impressive. It never resorts to gimmicks such
as throwing things at the audience. The camera angles are great to develop a good film look and to take advantage of the
extra plane of view. The 3D in the film is just as effective as “Up” was earlier this year.
Ultimately, “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” never rises to the level of great film. The intended audience is children, and
not much beyond that. Adults can enjoy it, but it never attempts to capture universal themes like all Pixar movies. The theme
is somewhat flawed as well. It tries to preach communication between kids and parents, yet even in the end, the father is not
communicating well with Flint. I do however believe that it tries to preach the same morals as “Meet the Robinsons” did a few
years ago: follow your dreams and don’t give up on them.


Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
Directed by: Phil Lord & Chris Miller
Starring: Bill Hader, Anna Faris,
James Caan, Andy Samberg, Mr T,
Benjamin Bratt, Neil Patrick Harris, Al
Roker
The animated 3D film stars the voice
talents of Bill Hader as Flint
Lockwood, Anna Faris as Sam
Sparks, James Caan as Tim
Lockwood and a great list of other
voices including Andy Samberg,
Bruce Campbell, Mr. T, Neil Patrick
Harris, Benjamin Bratt, Al Roker,
Lauren Graham…well you get the
idea.
“Cloudy with a Chance of
Meatballs” is a decent film, and it
will make lots of money due to it
being the only kid’s movie out. It
isn't the best film out, but it
certainly isn't the worst. It is a fun
comedy and looks impressive in
3D.