It's not the best or most realistic looking CGI film out there (though some scenes are really something to marvel at), it's not; Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs it's just a good story with a lot of heart and and and it's funny!
It’s a bit goofier in its animation style than say a Shrek or Toy Story. Bug eyed reaction shots and exaggerated poses are found all throughout, but it works here. Right alongside the sight gags and slapstick, this cartoonish style has an appeal and charm to it that matches the tone of the story well.
The protagonist, Flint Lockwood, has worked since childhood to invent something special. He finally accidentally creates the FLDSMDFR (pronounced just like it reads) that makes it rain various food. What seems fantastic turns problematic and eventually becomes a sentient being that must be taken down (as these things usually do). It’s fantasy based in reality, much like the animation style of the film.
There really is something about these computer animated films; they capture heart and emotion so well. The best of this genre knows how to funnel this emotional appeal to both kids and adults at once. I imagine the plot, with its themes of being yourself and love (staples of most kids’ movies nowadays), and the visuals appeal to kids while the pop references and celebrity voice casting maintain the adults’ interests. The casting of Mr. T is amazing here. Really, it’s nothing short of perfection when we says the name Flint Lockwood.
See it. It's dope.
