OK, I admit it, I have never read the children's book that the new film "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" is based on. The title seemed to ring a bell, but I wasn't sure so I decided to keep my mouth shut and avoid looking like an idiot.
Even so, this movie looked pretty funny and clean, something I wouldn't mind seeing. And, since I had never read the book -- I know, I will burn in heck as a hypocrite because I always say that you should never see a movie without reading the book upon which it is based -- there was absolutely no chance of my being horribly disappointed like I was with "The Polar Express" (so innocent, so pure -- and then they threw in that mysterious train hobo and the seemingly inscrutable ticket punchings of the conductor).
Flint Lockwood (Bill Hader) is a determined yet unsuccessful inventor in a small island town where the only industry is canned sardines, which the townspeople are forced to eat when the factory closes. Despite the efforts of his well-meaning father (James Caan) and local Policeman Earle (a very funny Mr. T), Flint invents a machine that turns water into food and -- accidentally -- shoots it into the atmosphere.
Flint finally gets the fame he's always lacked, which boosts his self-esteem (maybe a little too much), but communication with his father is no better, as Flint's dad uses fishing metaphors to try and make his son feel better. Romantic tension quickly develops when weather intern and secret smart-girl (I refuse to say NERD, although that is how these characters are referred to in the film) Sam Sparks (Anna Faris) comes to report on Flint's "food weather." Flint convinces her to be herself in the end, and all seems to be going well. Flint would have no problems at all, until the greedy mayor (Bruce Campbell) convinces him to push things too far ...
OK, that's all the plotline you need to know, otherwise you wouldn't go see it, which would be bad, because this movie is very amusing! Although the plotline is fairly simplistic -- hello, based on a children's book -- the humor stuffed in makes it fun for older kids, too. It's just a nice feel-good piece, the comedy is clean, and the characters are hilarious. Even the mayor elicits laughs as he pursues power, dropping former sardine mascot and local star Baby Brent (Andy Samberg of "SNL") for Flint as food weather brings the town out of depression.
Flint's former, less successful inventions also bring chuckles by making random appearances, especially the rat birds and his monkey with a thought translator, Steve (Neil Patrick Harris). Also, Flint narrates all his actions in his treehouse lab, which is so ridiculous that you just have to smile at him -- Flint is being himself and livin' the dream.
That's really kind of the message of the movie -- be yourself, pursue your dreams even through obstacles, and your family always will love, accept and support you, so remember, they matter more than fame.
Read Steve Salles review of "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs"
Lindsey Larson is a senior at Roy High School. She enjoys reading, writing, Broadway, watching movies and cooking. E-mail her at chocolate.anonymous.19@hotmail.com.
Comments