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‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs’ - “Scene Selection” Review
Posted by Alex Kartman on Monday, September 21, 2009
Children’s books are becoming the properties to adapt to film these days. “Twilight” is popular (although it is a teen novel); one of the most anticipated films of this year is “Where the Wild Things Are;” and this weekend ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs‘ opened nationwide.
Sam Spark voiced by Anna Farris in Columbia Pictures' animated film CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS.
Based upon a popular children’s book by the same name, ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs‘ is set in a Podunk fishing island. An aspiring inventor named Flint, voiced by Bill Hader of Saturday Night Live fame, fails at almost everything in life, but he has finally invented a worthwhile gadget: a machine that converts water into food. As mishaps ensue, the machine somehow gets launched into the sky, and causes food to rain from the sky. Greed throughout the town of Chewandswallow brings disaster as the food piles up on the island. Flint must save the town from impending doom, as is the usual ending for movies like this. It isn’t a particularly ingenious plot, but it intertwines its elements well and is rather funny.
The animation of the film is something that bugged me at first. While seeing trailers for it, I noticed how different it is from the drawing style in the book. Rather than animating the hand drawn, carefully crafted style of the book, Sony Animation Studios opted for cartoony and very colorful characters and environments. The opening credits alone set the film apart from the book buy using a retro-futuristic look of the 60s. The character looks are somewhat childish and took a while to accept, but it is effective and works well.
A spaghetti twister in Columbia Pictures' animated film CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS.
The comedy of the film is childish at times and brilliant other times. The film was written by some of the “How I Met Your Mother” tv show writers, yet they tone down their adult humor to make this an enjoyable kids film. One of the funniest things is a simple reference to the famous “Twilight Zone” gremlins episode, this time with gummy bears attacking an airplane wing. No kids will understand the reference, but the comedy is layered well enough that they have other elements to enjoy.
The voice talent for the film is a pretty big cast. No characters are A-list stars, but there are so many recognizable names that it doesn’t matter. James Caan voices Flint’s dad; Anna Faris the young love interest; Andy Samberg as the town idiot; Bruce Campbell as the town mayor; Mr. T as the town cop; and Neil Patrick Harris is the pet monkey. All fit their characters well, and do a great job adding depth to a very blasé plotline.
Baby Brent voiced by Andy Samberg in Columbia Pictures' animated film CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS.
The most impressive thing of “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” is the 3D element. While it is released in both 2D and 3D, the 3D adds the extra depth to help this film look even more impressive. It never resorts to gimmicks such as throwing things at the audience. The camera angles are great to develop a good film look and to take advantage of the extra plane of view. The 3D in the film is just as effective as “Up” was earlier this year.
Ultimately, “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” never rises to the level of great film. The intended audience is children, and not much beyond that. Adults can enjoy it, but it never attempts to capture universal themes like all Pixar movies. The theme is somewhat flawed as well. It tries to preach communication between kids and parents, yet even in the end, the father is not communicating well with Flint. I do however believe that it tries to preach the same morals as “Meet the Robinsons” did a few years ago: follow your dreams and don’t give up on them.
Flint Lockwood voiced by Bill Hader with Sam Sparks voiced by Anna Faris in Columbia Pictures' animated film CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS.
“Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” is a decent film, and it will make lots of money due to it being the only kid’s movie out. It isn’t the best film out, but it certainly isn’t the worst. It is a fun comedy and looks impressive in 3D.
Grade: C (2 out of 4 stars)
Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs - Trailer
Directed by Phil Lord, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs stars voice talent: Bill Hader, Anna Faris, James Caan, Bruce Campbell and Andy Samberg.
More Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
- Summary
- Cast & Crew
- Videos
- Stills
- News
- MovieSet Spotlight: ‘Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs’
- Mr. T and NPH Together at Last! This A Team is Eating Meatballs
- Weekend Trailer Round-up Part 2 - Meatballs, Gamers + Gi Joes
- Anna Faris and Andy Samberg throw Meatballs at Comic Con
Posts Tagged ‘bill hader’
‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs’ - “Scene Selection” Review
Posted by Kyle Zahar on Monday, September 21, 2009
Check out the the newest clips from ‘Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs’.
In 2009, Columbia Pictures’ and Sony Pictures Animation’s Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs will be the most delicious event since macaroni met cheese. Inspired by the beloved children’s book, the film focuses on a town where food falls from the sky like rain. Bill Hader, star of “Saturday Night Live” and Night of the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, will voice Flint Lockwood, a young inventor who dreams of creating something that will improve everyone’s life. Anna Faris, who recently turned heads as the star of the comedy hit The House Bunny, takes on the role of Sam Sparks, a weathergirl covering the phenomenon who hides her intelligence behind a perky exterior. James Caan plays Tim Lockwood, Flint’s technophobic father. Andy Samberg plays Brent, the town bully who has plagued Flint since childhood. Bruce Campbell plays Mayor Shelbourne, who figures out that Flint’s invention can put the town, and more importantly himself, on the map and Mr. T plays the by-the-rules town cop Earl Devereaux.
Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs Videos
This doesn’t look safe Earl Devereaux (Mr. T) sends his son Cal (Bobb’e J. Thompson) out to enjoy the snow day of a life time.
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It’s okay… It’s just pain. Flint Lockwood (Bill Hader) discovers his machine works after accidental ruining Sam Sparks (Anna Faris) career.
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Determination Flint Lockwood (Bill Hader) is determined to invent something great!… eventually. Continue reading…
Posts Tagged ‘bill hader’
‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs’ - “Scene Selection” Review
Posted by Dave on Monday, September 21, 2009
‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs‘ is an animated features hitting theaters. Directed by Phil Lord, CWCOM stars voice talents of Bill Hader, Anna Faris, James Caan, Bruce Campbell and Andy Samberg - this alone sound interesting but when you add Mr. T and Neil Patrick Harris to the mix, it sounds much better!
Mr. T voices Earl Devereaux in Columbia Pictures' animated film CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS.
There is tons of hype and many rumors about ‘The A Team’ movie including speculation about who will play the role of B.A. Baracus made famous by Mr. T shortly after his intimidating performance in Rocky 3.
Some says rather than Rampage Jackson, 50 Cent, Common, (or any of the dozens of other actors/fighter/rappers eyeing the role), Mr. T is irreplaceable and deserves the paycheck (especially after selling all his gold to help victims of the Katrina hurricane debacle).
In this film, Mr. T (still rocking the Mandinka haircut), plays a letter-of-the-law cop. Here’s Mr. T’s character, “Earl Devereaux”:
Earl Deveraux voiced by Mr. T and Cal Deveraux voiced by Bobb'e J Thompson
Of course, NPH’s cult hero status has grown far beyond the adolescent doctor Doogie Howser which threatened to typecast him for life. Neil Patrick Harris’ successful role as a player in TV’s ‘How I Met Your Mother’ are overshadowed by his stellar scene-stealing performances as “himself” in the Harold and Kumar misadventures.
Neil Patrick Harris voices Steve
Posts Tagged ‘bill hader’
‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs’ - “Scene Selection” Review
Posted by Dave on Monday, September 21, 2009
Anna Faris and Andy Samberg attended Comic Con San Diego to talk about ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs‘ - an animated feature based on the popular children’s book. Sounds tasty!
Anna Farris is best known for her role in The House Bunny while Andy Samberg has injected fresh life to TV’s Saturday Night Live with his “Digital Shorts” including D!ck in a Box, J!zz in my Pants, I’m on a Boat M#$%F&$%r.
The movie includes a stellar cast including James Caan, Bill Hader (also of SNL), and the legendary Mr. T playing a cop.
Posts Tagged ‘bill hader’
‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs’ - “Scene Selection” Review
Posted by Quinn Bender on Monday, September 21, 2009
The third Ice Age installment, Dawn of the Dinosaurs, hits theaters in 3D, July 1st.
Ice Age 3 storyline exceeds expectations, rivals parts One and Two
By Phillip Nakov
movieset.com
The sub-zero heroes from the previous two Ice Age pics are back in full form as they embark on an incredible adventure beneath the ice, discovering a world of dinosaurs in the center of the earth! Continue reading…
Posts Tagged ‘bill hader’
‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs’ - “Scene Selection” Review
Posted by grip on Monday, September 21, 2009
I won I won!
Earlier in May, MovieSet started a Star Trek Sweepstakes where you could win tons of free Star Trek gear! We were giving out tons of prizes, and we got TONS of entries!
So CONGRATULATIONS to Kyle T of Kinston, North Carolina! He’s our Grand Prize winner, meaning he takes home a poster signed by the cast, as well as some other top notch Star Trek goodies!
Wow, thanks for the cool prizes, I’ll be sure to visit your site regularly! - Kyle T
No Problem Buddy!
But that’s not all!
We also had 5 first place winners and 10 runner ups which means in total we had 16 winners taking home some cool Star Trek gear! So congrats to Keith R. from Toledo OH, Laura C. of Clifton Heights PA, Josh L. from Albany NY, Melissa S. from Point Pleasant NJ and Denyse G. from Seminol FL. They all won the “First Place” prize!
Also we have Joel B. of Charlottesville VA, David H. from Monroe VA, Lisa D. of Starkville MS, Max F. from Columbus OH, Elaine K. of La Quinta CA, Shanna M. from Cape Fair MO, Eric W. B. from Sun Prairie WI and David S. from Ashville NY! Whew! Those guys all won the ‘Runner Up’ Prize.
Congrats guys!
Here’s a list of what we we gave away
Grand Prize- (1) Star Trek one sheet signed by cast
- (1) Star Trek movie Enterprise Model
- (4) Movie passes
- (1) CD Soundtrack of movie
.
- First Prize
- (5) Star Trek the Movie Tie-in Paper back
- (5) Set of 10 Limited Edition Trading cards
- (5) Pair of movie tickets
- (5) CD Soundtrack from Star Trek movie
.
- Runner Up Prizes
- (10) Star Trek the Movie Tie-in Paper back
- (10) Pairs of movie tickets
- (10) CD Soundtrack from Star Trek movie
.
Feeling left out?
You should! The transporter room is empty, and Scotties not going to beam you to this party!
But fear not! For we have MORE contests with MORE prizes, just waiting for you to win them, including a 2 person trip to Las Vegas as part of our Hangover Sweepstakes!
So for your chance to win one of the many prizes we are always giving away at MovieSet, check out our other contests for your chance to win cool stuff from your favorite movies!
The Hangover and Transformers 2 Sweepstakes!
Posts Tagged ‘bill hader’
‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs’ - “Scene Selection” Review
Posted by grip on Monday, September 21, 2009
MovieSet is bringing you TONS of sweepstakes in the upcoming months and now is your chance to win. Check out the hosts of The Behind the Scenes Show while they explain what YOU need to do to win some of the galaxy of prizes that awaits you!
To help celebrate the arrival of ‘Star Trek,’ one of the most anticipated movies of the year, we’re giving away prize packs we think you’d fight a Vulcan to win. Imagine beaming home with a signed ‘Star Trek’ one-sheet, a scale model of the iconic USS Enterprise, the CD soundtrack or pairs of movie tickets! A truly Trek-tacular collection. Enter today to live long, prosper and win!
Get energized and enter the Star Trek sweepstakes!!
The Grand Prize Includes:
- Star Trek one sheet signed by cast
- Star Trek movie Enterprise Model
- Movie passes
- CD Soundtrack of movie
First Prize:
- 5 Star Trek the Movie Tie-in Paperbacks
- 5 Sets of 10 Limited Edition Trading cards
- 5 Pairs of movie tickets
- 5 CD Soundtracks from Star Trek movie
Runner Up Prizes
- 10 Star Trek the Movie Tie-in Paperbacks
- 10 Pairs of movie tickets
- 10 CD Soundtracks from Star Trek movie
Click to get energized !!
We hope you enjoy the Star Trek contest and best of luck!
Posts Tagged ‘bill hader’
‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs’ - “Scene Selection” Review
Posted by grip on Monday, September 21, 2009
By Jeff Otto
The summer movie season is kicking into full gear today with the release of Wolverine. There’s also the alternate choice Ghosts of Girlfriends past, for those ladies who prefer to let their men exercise their testosterone with buddies instead.
Today we’ve got a look at the big releases for May and we’ll be following up with a daily look at June, July and August starting next week.
We’d love to hear what you’re excited to see this summer, so post a comment below and tell us what summer movies you’re looking forward to and why!
May 1st
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
What is it? Wolverine gets his very own movie in this spin-off of the popular X-Men franchise.
Who’s in it? Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Danny Huston and Ryan Reynolds
Why it just might be the best movie ever: Wolverine was the best part of the previous X-Men movies. Fans have been waiting a long time for this Marvel character to go solo.
Why it just might be the worst movie ever: For a movie about Wolverine, this one sure has a big cast. And Will.i.am? Why couldn’t he just do a track for the soundtrack? Also, Gavin Hood has chops, but Rendition was pretty forgettable.
The reality: Should be a fun start to the summer with plenty of action, but whether this one rises above the hallowed X2 remains to be seen.
Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past
What is it? Alternate chick flick fare about an eternal bachelor haunted by the girlfriends from his past.
Who’s in it? Jennifer Garner, Matthew McConaughey, Michael Douglas
Why it just might be the best movie ever: Its directed by the guy who did Mean Girls plus McConaughey and Garner are nice to look at.
Why it just might be the worst movie ever: Hmmm, so many reasons. But the short list? McConaughey has played this part about a dozen times and its getting old, Michael Douglas is kinda creepy and the director’s last rom-com was the dreadful Just Like Heaven.
The reality: A breezy and brainless romance with two likable enough leads. It will deliver a few mild laughs and be forgotten by the post-show cosmopolitans.
Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!
May 8th
Star Trek
What is it? If you have to ask, this isn’t for you.
Who’s in it? Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Anton Yelchin, Winona Ryder, Simon Pegg, Eric Bana
Why it might just be the best movie ever? Finally, a Star Trek movie with a cast chosen because of talent and a passionate director. It’s about time!
Why it might just be the worst movie ever: J.J. Abrams often seems to have the attention span of a knat when it comes to seeing his creations through to the end. Ahem, Mission Impossible III, anyone?
The reality: Star Trek probably won’t change the world the way some Trekkies might hope, but it’s almost guaranteed to be the best film since part IV.
May 15th
Angels and Demons
What is it? The second adaptation of the popular Dan Harris series starring Tom Hanks as Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon. This time Langdon is out to thwart a terrorist attack on the Vatican.
Who’s in it? Tom Hanks, Ayelet Zurer, Ewan McGregor, Stellan Skarsgard
Why it just might be the best movie ever: After the imperfect Da Vinci Code, director Ron Howard and star Hanks should be able to find their groove for the sophomore effort. Also some fans of the series claim this story is even better than the hallowed Da Vinci Code.
Why it just might be the worst movie ever: The first movie was no peach and Hanks still has the stupid hair. Its a sequel instead of prequel, as it was intended in the series.
The reality: Howard is a strong director, so this one should be at least on par with, if not a little better than, the first film.
Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!
May 22nd
Terminator Salvation
What is it? A reboot of the Terminator franchise set after the robots have destroyed most of the planet. John Connor leads a small resistance of survivors to overthrow the robot leaders and reclaim Earth.
Who’s in it? Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Anton Yelchin, Moon Bloodgood, Bryce Dallas Howard, Common, Helena Bonham Carter
Why it just might be the best movie ever: The events after Judgement Day have been talked about for three movies and a TV show. Now we finally get to see it and we get quite arguably the best actor on the planet as John Connor.
Why it just might be the worst movie ever: Hopefully Bale’s highly publicized tirade on set was just a bad day, because if it was a regular occurrence that’s not a good sign. McG remains a highly questionable choice as director.
The reality: Should be better than three but reaching the heights of Cameron-directed first two is a long shot.
Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
What is it? Ben Stiller returns as Smithsonian security guard Larry Daley in this sequel to the family comedy about a museum where the statues come to life at night.
Who’s in it? Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Amy Adams, Jonah Hill, Ricky Gervais, Bill Hader, Christopher Guest, Steve Coogan
Why it just might be the best movie ever: It won’t be, trust me.
Why it just might be the worst movie ever: How many more times can we take Ben Stiller in this part? No seriously, I’m asking, because the number has to be approaching. Also, Williams as Roosevelt is funny once, but was anyone crying out for more?
The reality: If you liked the first one, you’ll probably like this one.
Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!
Dance Flick
What is it? A parody of dance movies from the hilarious team behind such gems as White Chicks and Little Man.
Who’s in it? 45 members of the Wayan family plus Chris Elliot and David Allen Grier.
Why it just might be the best movie ever: Maybe you just had a frontal lebotomy or drank your weight in Jack Daniels beforehand…
Why it just might be the worst movie ever: Well, with the pedigree attached, its hard to imagine, right? Has to be better than Date Movie and Epic Movie though, right? Well, one can dream.
The reality: Yet another brainless parody movie in which the best moments can all be viewed in a two-minute trailer without blowing 90 minutes and $10 bucks.
Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!
May 29th
Up
What is it? Pixar’s latest about an old man who ties a bunch of balloons to his house in order to float away to South Africa, but finds he has a young stowaway along for the adventure.
Who’s in it? The voices of Ed Asner, Jordan Nagai, Christopher Plummer, Delroy Lindo, John Ratzenburger
Why it just might be the best movie ever: Even though the plot on this one sounds a bit suspect, its hard to doubt Pixar at this point. Plus, Ed Asner!
Why it just might be the worst movie ever: Co-director Pete Doctor directed Pixar’s weakest entry Cars. That’s all I’ve got. Let’s be real, no way any Pixar movie is going to be the worst movie ever.
The reality: Another Pixar smash both the kiddies and parents will love. Expect to see this one in traffic through the window of the minivan in front of you by Christmas.
Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!
Drag Me to Hell
What is it? Sam Raimi’s much-ballyhooed return to horror tells the tale of a young loan officer (Lohman) who finds herself cursed and pursued by an evil demon hoping to pull her into the depths of hell.
Who’s in it? Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, David Paymer, Dileep Rao
Why it just might be the best movie ever: The Evil Dead movies were an absolute blast and fans have been waiting a long time for Raimi to get back to his roots. In an age of torture porn and slashers, this is a fun-spirited old fashioned ghost story!
Why it just might be the worst movie ever: Spider-Man 3 sucked, but even Raimi admits that. So long as being a Hollywood big shot hasn’t spoiled Raimi, we should be okay.
The reality: Crazy characters, big jumps and prosthetic monsters jumping out from every direction. A perfect summer popcorn thriller!
Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!
Posts Tagged ‘bill hader’
‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs’ - “Scene Selection” Review
Posted by Dave on Monday, September 21, 2009
The mapcap amusement park caper Adventureland featuring Saturday Night Live’s master impressionist Bill Hader and Kristen Stewart of Twilight fame hits theaters this week.
Here’s the blurb:
A comedy set in the summer of 1987 and centered around a recent college grad (Eisenberg) who takes a nowhere job at his local amusement park, only to find it’s the perfect course to get him prepared for the real world.
Get prepped for the flick with an interview with the fetching Ms. Stewart discussing acting approach, working with Director/Writer Greg Mottola, and the comfort level with her character - plus see heap of still photos from the Adventureland set.
Note: Might I recommend seeing Kristen Stewart act in Into the Wild
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