07/05/06 Ice Age 2: The Meltdown

Ice Age 2: The Meltdown (2006), directed by Carlos Saldanha

watched w/ Leslie, Mike A., Janine & Eric; theater (Blue Ridge Cinema, Raleigh, NC)

While our original plans to take in an IMAX film were put on hold, Leslie & I went and toured (I being the less-than-accurate tour guide) downtown Raleigh with some of her grad school friends. As the group tried to soak up some local history, while making funny remarks about street names sounding like cool 70's cop show handles, we decided on taking in another film worthy of history lessons. This brings us to "Ice Age 2." Not the actual epoch in time, although isn't the world due for some sort of cataclysmic event of geographic upheaval?...but rather the arrival of a family movie sequel brought to you by the folks at Blue Sky ("Ice Age" and "Robots") in computer animation. What better way to teach the youngsters about global warming and glaciation (yes, it's a word) than through some lovable digitally-created-furry creatures who zing one-liners and participate in slapstick hi-jinks a la 3 Stooges or Tom & Jerry? This follow-up to a well documented period in history (and animated movie prior), tells the story of an end to the polar ice caps and a sort of global meltdown (which they must of thought to be a more clever title than something like Eemian Interglacial Era...look it up). This global warming and consequent flooding of their natural habitat must be confronted by the lead characters of Manny the Mammoth (Ray Romano), Sid the Sloth (John Leguizamo), and Diego the Sabretooth Tiger (Denis Leary). The unorthodox trio must help their animal friends escape the soon-to-be flooded valley for higher ground and a chance to survive this weather shift. Along the way, Manny finds what is believed to be the only other of his species, a female companion in Ellie (Queen Latifah). Only problem, Ellie was raised by opossums and thinks she is one. All the while there are new and scary sea creatures who threaten to eat the land creatures, and poor old Scrat the Sabretooth Squirrel fights furiously to get his elusive acorn. This also brings us back to the Raleigh tour beforehand, which is the Acorn City because of its towering oaks (it all comes full circle you see?). Anyway, the film is charming in its own way...all historical inaccuracies aside. These animated features aim for both the child & adult markets, and have jokes included for all. Enjoy the adventure, don't take it too seriously, and watch out for giant falling acorns and global warming.

3 out of 5 stars