DVD Review - “Ice Age 2: The Meltdown”
GRADE: B+
I’ve said it before, this year is a great year for toon’s. With only 3 nominees able to fight over the ‘Best Animated Feature” category, there should be a close race between some worthy hopefuls. “Ice Age 2″ is one of those cartoons that deserves some recognition.
This movie is just as good as the first film, and is a creative sequel. The animation has improved and the original fun loving characters from the first film are all back. The best character is “Scrat” the raccoon looking squirrel thingy who is on the never ending search for his precious nuts. His antics in this film are laugh out loud funny. The moments with the piranha fish and the baby vulture are some of the most comical in a cartoon this year.
There is lovely voice work from Queen Latifah as “Ellie” the mammoth that thinks she is a possum. John Leguizamo as “Sid” the sloth, Ray Romano as “Manny” the mammoth, Dennis Leary as “Diego” the saber tooth tiger are back, and better than ever. This time around they are a bonified family with issues, and heart. There is also a great vocal performance by Sean William Scott as a possum you must check out! Speaking of which, the possum’s “Crash & Eddie” in this movie are hilarious! They add the extra silliness that makes you giggle.
I enjoyed the animation this time more than the original. A lot of technology has been created since the first film came out and it is obvious with “Ice Age 2″. The hair and water animation are stunning. There are some scenes with gorgeous views of broad landscapes and huge glaciers that will steal your breath, and have you asking “is that real”?
The only problem with this movie is the heavy handed environmental theme. The story gets preachy with the global warming references but this is a slight problem. The scenes move along with a fast pace. The movie also has a couple of good villains chasing the heroes throughout the movie. There really isn’t much to complain about. “Ice Age 2″ will delight kids and grown ups that love snappy dialog and vivid, creative imagery.
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