Rating: PG | Runtime: 90 minutes
Release Date: September 18th, 2009 (USA)
Studio: Sony Pictures Animation / Columbia Pictures / Sony Pictures Releasing
Director(s): Phil Lord & Christopher Miller
Writer(s): Phil Lord & Christopher Miller / Judi Barrett & Ron Barrett (book)

A film by a lot of people.

I knew right after the above quote flashed across the screen that Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs was going to be a fun time. Sony Pictures Animation didn’t let me down as I was enthralled and smiling for the duration. Based on a children’s book from 1978, the film follows the exploits of a young scientist and his dreams of changing the world with his inventions.

Up to adulthood, however, he has achieved little more that a “menace to society” label from everyone in his small island town of Swallow Falls—where its staple of sardines has become their only source of food after the world realized they’re gross. Small and subtle jokes such as this statement as a newspaper headline are sprinkled throughout to keep the audience’s sense of humor on its toes while the feel-good story in the background reaches forward to the inevitable nerd-to-hero transformation for Flint Lockwood to grow up and reach his full potential.

The invention that becomes the final straw for Flint’s disturbing the peace shenanigans is a machine that converts water into food. Meant to give his hometown something to eat besides those sardines, its baptism into this world is a disaster that ruins the mayor’s asinine use of government money on a new theme park. Soon, however, it also ignites a happy accident of epic proportions.

A malfunction due to too much power (I guess connecting the machine to an electrical tower wasn’t the best idea) sends it into the atmosphere where it hovers above and takes in cloud moisture to rain down hamburgers for all to enjoy. You can ignore the details of how that burger will be hot enough to be appetizing because there’s a lot more to worry about such as Flint’s newfound global fame. He’s now the toast of the town and the fresh face of the newly rechristened Chew and Swallow, usurping the monopoly ‘Baby’ Brent had on the market after posing for sardine tins many years ago. Even the cute weather girl intern sent to broadcast the story seems to be falling for him while hiding her nerd tendencies and strong grasp of physics beneath a flighty, blonde façade.

Mutations are never an exact science and soon the food falling from the sky becomes too large and dangerous to contain. It’s up to Flint and his friends to risk everything and save the town before the invention—named with a crazy acronym that has about six consonants and one vowel—takes over the world. The mayor wants nothing to change besides his ever-expanding waistband and, in an accidentally villainous role, makes things even worse by using the “like a son” card with the lad (a card made more meaningful by Flint’s real dad’s inability to express love).

So, we meet a plethora of kooky characters amidst the chaos who are all voiced by great comedic actors to try and help Flint regain control of the one invention that actually works. Well, that’s a bit harsh considering everything he’s created—from a young elementary student until now—has “worked.” They just all had minor problems turning any success into a hazard or worse. Spray-on shoes is a great concept if you can ever remove them. Monkey thought converters would be groundbreaking if a monkey ever could string together more than one loud word at a time (Neil Patrick Harris is greatas Steve). And rat-birds would solve … wait, what was he thinking with that one? I did like when one swooped down and snatched a child, to which his friends screamed, “Just play dead!”

The animation is crisp and vibrant while utilizing a cartoony feel rather than a need for realism. Each character is an elongated caricature that adds a sense of style for the audience to bask in the creativity. I do kind of wish I had seen it in 3D, though, because multiple instances appear to play to that technology’s strengths. There are a few chase sequences that have us following the leads as they run and jump through obstacles flying toward our faces.

The biggest compliment I can pay, though, is the fact that I enjoyed myself thoroughly without that gimmick. Every joke hits and the story is fun enough to succeed on its own merits. There’s definitely something to be said about absurd comedic set pieces existing for the sole purpose of making you laugh. One-liners abound (some are said in the distance, so keep your ears open) and sight gags enhance the hilarity. The humor often reminded me of a cleaner “Family Guy” for the younger target audience.

Bill Hader is great as Flint with a sort of crazed innocence coming across. He’s so sure of himself in the scientific world, yet completely insecure in the realm of real-life relationships. Both James Caan and Anna Faris (as his father and love interest Sam Sparks, respectively) are perfect casting. Faris is a riot using that “bimbo voice” she pulls off so well to great use—especially when talking about something brainy and genius-caliber smart.

Andy Samberg is a hoot as Brent and Bruce Campbell is channeling a bit of William Shatner in his portrayal of Mayor Shelbourne, but it’s the venerable Mr. T as Officer Earl Devereaux that shines in the supporting category. It’s such a treat to hear his voice wonderfully complement this overzealously athletic policeman. Everything is working within Phil Lord and Chris Miller’s film from the heart to the jokes to the visuals. It may not stand a chance against Up for awards glory, but it definitely sets itself apart as a film to be seen.

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“Sam Sparks” voiced by Anna Faris and “Flint Lockwood” voiced by Bill Hader in Columbia Pictures’ animated film CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS. ©2009 Columbia TriStar Marketing Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.