The Film
"I don't get vests. What, is it winter in your torso but summer in your arms?"
Once an animated film makes some money, a sequel typically follows. It's the Hollywood way. Toy Story, Despicable Me, Madagascar, Ice Age, and countless others have spawned sequels -- and in some cases, a trilogy. Of course, a lot of these films were completely unnecessary.
However, there's something fun about Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2. The 2009 original was based on a popular children's book and pretty much managed to translate the story's whimsy to the big screen. The sequel isn't quite as creative, but it's certainly fun, as well as insanely colorful.
The film picks up post-FLDSMDFR (Flint Lockwood Diatonic Super Mutating Dynamic Food Replicator). The world has been saved (sort of), but Swallow Falls is in need of a serious clean-up. To get the messy job done, the island's inhabitants have to be temporarily relocated to San Franjose, California. However, not only did FLDSMDFR survive, but it has spawned a series of "Foodimals," which are sort of animal/food hybrids. While that could make for a really cool tourist attraction, super-inventor (and super-villain) Chester V has other plans for the creative creatures.
Will Forte's Steve Jobs-esque villain is certainly a standout. That said, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 doesn't pack the same punch as the original -- and it has nothing to do with the absence of Mr. T. (Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Terry Crews picks up the torch quite nicely.) Despite all of the new creative creatures, this sequel just doesn't have the same edge. However, it does have the same fast pace and pretty colors, which should captivate its target audience.
The Picture
When you make the main focus of a movie "living food," there are certain expectations about how it's going to look. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 delivers with an eye-popping 2.40:1 image, both in 2D and 3D. Each version offers super-sharp imagery that's bursting with all sorts of colors -- sometimes literally. The 3D does add a lot of depth to the viewing experience. However, I was expecting more "pop-out" moments on this version. Still, there should be plenty to keep 3D viewers happy. Considering the pace of this movie, less pop-outs is probably a good thing. You don't want to have a seizure or anything! The Tacodile and the "Party in a Box" are both always good for a few projectiles. However, the "Vesting Ceremony" is probably the most memorable as far as the 3D effects are concerned. Either way, this is a fun, vibrant viewing experience.
The Sound
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix is a nice match for this movie's image. It's just as fun and immersive. All of the various famous voices are clear throughout. However, the track will use your entire 5.1 system. The roar of the Foodimals, the special effects, and the perky pop music all come through with a ton of force, making this movie a very animated experience in more ways than one.
The Extras
Most of what's included is pretty short. There are deleted scenes and featurettes on the cast, the Foodimals, and some of the other parts of the production.
However, the most notable extra is the series of "Mini-Movies." This worked really well for the Despicable Me 2 Blu-ray, so why not Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2? Well, there are no Minions here, but the four shorts are a nice bonus treat. The filmmakers could have created a series on Steve or even the Foodimals. However, they mix up the subjects and the animation styles for "Steve's First Bath," "Super Manny," "Attack of the 50 Foot Gummi Bear," and "Earl Scouts."
Unless you're a Cody Simpson fan, you'll find his video and its accompanying making-of short to be the weakest of the bunch. The song was in the movie, but the video tries to mash-up film clips with Simpson ordering diner food from a way-too-good-looking waitress. The giant mound of food that he orders is supposed to be some sort of tie-in, I guess.
Also worth noting is that this disc is compatible with the "Foodimal Funimal" app. Available for iOS and Android devices, the free app has a bunch of cute games, such as "Tickle Berry" and "Pickle Fishing with Tim." However, you can use the app to sync your device to the Blu-ray for additional games and Foodimals.
Final Thoughts
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 isn't the best kids' movie. It wasn't even the best kids' movie of 2013. Still, there's plenty of fun to be had here. Even better, it's filled with incredible visuals and a great audio track. If you have the original in your collection, this is will certainly be a welcomed addition.
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