Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2

"Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" was a perfect storm of filmmakers and cast members that was released in the right month to be a commercial success. Since the first film, Sony Pictures Animation has produced "The Smurfs" and "The Smurfs 2" which were financially successful. Sony also made two films with Aardman Animations and produced the commercially successful "Hotel Transylvania". Not all these movies however have been received well by critics. To date, "Arthur Christmas" is Sony's best-reviewed film and that show made only a slight profit. This may send a wrong message to the company that making money is more important than making a great movie. I can tell for example that "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2" was not what it could have been. This movie will entertain families and I had a nice time watching it but as with almost every sequel, originality has been lost. At least the 3D and animation design were appealing.

I am against a sequel unless the filmmakers can prove to me that it was necessary story-wise. In my opinion, this movie did not have to be made because first film had great resolution at the end. I believe that the main reason why the movie didn't live up to its predecessor was the fact that Phil Lord and Chris Miller did not direct this film. I am very glad that they wrote the story and were the executive producers. It shows in the final product but Lord and Miller are directing "The Lego Movie" instead and it proves that they understand the value of doing something original. If you come up with a great idea for a sequel, than by all means do it right but "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2" didn't satisfy all that I liked from the "main course". This sequel has almost nothing to do with weather and so the title now seems irrelevant. From a story standpoint, the largest piece of criticism I have is that the FLDSMDFR survived the explosion from the first film. It seems way too convenient. The new characters, Chester and Barb, feel out of place in the "Meatballs universe" as well. I also felt that Chester was not as villainous as he could have been. I wanted more conflict.

Some elements of the movie were done right thankfully. Live Corp and Chester V are obviously spoofing the late Steve Jobs and Apple. Flint's inventions introduced at the start of the show once again come into play during the climax just like in the last movie. I love when seemingly insignificant plot points end up having significance at the end of the story. I get a big kick out of Earl's nickname for Chester. The name "ghost man" is really funny coming from him. One great part of the story is that Flint and his dad continue to bond. In the first movie, Tim learned the value of his son as an inventor. Now Flint must do the same for his dad as a fisherman. Flint is grateful that he and his dad are closer but fails to see how his dad is valuable in the world of inventing. Tim's fishing skills help save the day at the end of the film and I like how the last scene has everyone fishing. Two important qualities of the first show were its humor and characters. This sequel has funny moments too but as usual, this new movie was not as funny as its forerunner. Thankfully, all the returning cast members gave us back the characters we love. I am very sad that Mr. T did not return to reprise his role as Earl. I wonder why. As mentioned, the new characters seemed out of place. I liked Kristen Schaal a lot better on "Toy Story 3" for example. In terms of the film's design and 3D, I was satisfied. The foodimals were well rendered and some scenes looking great in 3D. The lighting in the film played an important part, just like in the original movie.

After seeing the trailer and marketing for "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2", I was worried that the whole film would be one food gag after another. I am glad that was not the case and that the trailer did not spoil the plotline. This allowed for an enjoyable entertainment experience but as per the norm, this sequel fell a little short. Technological advancements have been made by Sony Pictures and the story was good but I feel that under Phil Lord and Chris Miller's full direction, the movie would have been better.

3.5 Stars