In Ice Age: The Meltdown, the story thins along with the ice. But in the thawing process, the laughs and zany charm remain intact.
A sequel to the 2002 computer-animated hit, the film reunites the voice talent of Ray Romano, Denis Leary and John Leguizamo as cranky mammoth Manny, sarcastic saber-toothed tiger Diego and wise-cracking sloth Sid, respectively. Along with the era's other woolly inhabitants, the three enjoy the defrosting ushered in by the changing climate — a strange development since the Ice Age was just approaching at the end of the first movie.
But their fun in the sun is cut short by ominous news that the rising temperature will cause the surrounding glacial walls to burst, flooding their valley paradise. With only days before the impending cataclysm, the trio sets out for their only survival hope, an Ark-like tree bark on the far end of the valley.
Thinking he's the last of his species, Manny becomes depressed with extinction anxiety until he meets Ellie (voiced by Queen Latifah), a fellow pachyderm with a trunk load of identity issues.
Also lending their voices are Jay Leno as Fast Tony, an armadillo who is part doomsday prophet and part used-car salesman, and Seann William Scott and Josh Peck as Crash and Eddie, a hilarious tag team of prankster possums.
But the funniest scenes once again belong to the bug-eyed Scrat, a saber-toothed squirrel who, during breaks in the main action, continues his determined quest for that ever-elusive acorn.
Meltdown might be seen as a cautionary tale about global warning, but as before its paramount message concerns family and friendship.
Though obviously kid-friendly, there are several scenes involving a pair of vicious sea monsters — frozen since dinosaur days — that may frighten some tykes.
The crisp and lively computer animation is even better this time around, and director Carlos Saldanha thankfully avoids those pop-culture references that clutter most animated fare. A Busby Berkeley-flavored number involving vultures singing “Food, Glorious Food” is a hoot. But, for all its merits, much of the film feels like a retread and lacks the character and narrative development of the original.
Though whimsical fun, compared to its precursor, Meltdown is a bit of a step-down.
The film contains some scenes of menace that may be too intense for very young children, a few crass expressions, some innuendo and a mildly crude sight gag. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I — general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
(This review appears courtesy of US Conference of Catholic Bishop's Office for Film and Broadcasting.)
