
Ice Age: The Meltdown (Blue Sky Studios)
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I just saw the preview for this movie last ngiht when I went to see Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I cant relly remember the plot for the first movie or if I laughed. But I do remeebr likeing the lil squirrle thing. it is defintley a movie I'll check out once it hits theaters, but before I'll rent Ice age to refresh my memory. 

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ICE AGE 2 reviews
The Meltdown is going to be out soon, and i cant wait to watch it. and here are some early reviews.
"A lot of the weird, rough edges of the previous movie have been replaced with a more polished sheen."
CinemaBlend.com
"Whenever Scrat is on the screen, the movie consistently delights young and old."
Internet Reviews
"A bit spotty in the early goings, almost stalls in the middle, but from there takes off toward climax and never looks back. A lot of fun. John Leguizamo rocks."
Hollywood Report Card
check out these 2 clips, too -
http://media.filmforce.ign.com/media/04 ... ids_1.html
i cant wait to see this. what are your thoughts on the movie?
"A lot of the weird, rough edges of the previous movie have been replaced with a more polished sheen."
CinemaBlend.com
"Whenever Scrat is on the screen, the movie consistently delights young and old."
Internet Reviews
"A bit spotty in the early goings, almost stalls in the middle, but from there takes off toward climax and never looks back. A lot of fun. John Leguizamo rocks."
Hollywood Report Card
check out these 2 clips, too -
http://media.filmforce.ign.com/media/04 ... ids_1.html
i cant wait to see this. what are your thoughts on the movie?
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I honestly think this film looks very mediocre. The first one was not very good, and this one doesn't look much better. Scrat is cool, but JL and DL's constant bickering get old fast. However, I will see it for Queen Latifah, who lately has been impressive in everything she's in. Except 'Taxi'. 

Cheers,
JM
JM

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I'm with you on that one: It's all about Queen Latifah! I thought the original Ice Age was satisfying enough, but I really didn't like the production designs at all.Just Myself wrote:I honestly think this film looks very mediocre. The first one was not very good, and this one doesn't look much better. Scrat is cool, but JL and DL's constant bickering get old fast. However, I will see it for Queen Latifah, who lately has been impressive in everything she's in. Except 'Taxi'.
The Top 10 Films of 2005:
1) Brokeback Mountain 2) The Squid and the Whale 3) Me And You And Everyone We Know 4) The New World 5) A History of Violence 6) Match Point 7) Munich 8.) Crash 9) Wallace and Gromit 10) Pride & Prejudice
1) Brokeback Mountain 2) The Squid and the Whale 3) Me And You And Everyone We Know 4) The New World 5) A History of Violence 6) Match Point 7) Munich 8.) Crash 9) Wallace and Gromit 10) Pride & Prejudice
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Ice Age, the original, was horrible. I know how some people thought it was cute, assuming sentimentality-with a few jokes, as a formula could do no wrong. And I know we're all animation fans, some of us thought it was really cutting edge considering it was just moving in on the trends that Toy Story started without providing an original or compelling enough story, characters that people thought were really fun or interesting when it was really just the celebrity voice-actors they responded to (how many people honestly didn't see this movie for Ray Romano knowing he was in it? he was the major selling-point, with the success of ELR); people just eat the noisy family entertainment they're spoonfed because they want more of movies like Toy Story (me- I just thought it would be nice if they could have done it again, Disney or DreamWorks or 20CF... turns out it's not as easy as it looks) or Shrek (which was so overrated, it hurts me as a respectable cinema lover and goer ((that's not saying it didn't have it's moments, I love that little Disney World/land-Small World After All joke)). Is this that age-old (and tired) 'entertaining' over well-made arguement? Because there are obvious standards for well-made and this film failed on quite a few of them.
As far as the sequel is concerned, I know I'll end up seeing it eventually. But I don't assume the apple here is going to fall far from the tree. And hey- they can dress it up in any bright, shiny packaging they want- they'll get the same zombified audiences they got the first time, kids will laugh and scream and repeat nearly every attempt-at-comedy line of dialogue - people will use it as an escape and a chance not to think. Which is what most people did in regard to Madagascar and Shrek, what I assume they're doing to The Wild, and if this movie is as mind-numbing as the original, what they'll do to Ice Age 2: keep making excuses for underwelming family films just because they find them to be entertaining. I hope somebody has second thoughts now, because remember- I can say anything is entertaining: watching hundreds of people being trampled to death at a Pantera concert - who's with me? It's fun, right? If I should say so, you'd have to re-think it... Now, what's the difference between this and March of the Penguins? Except for the fact that this is all about animated/cgi films, this is about anything be dressed up as entertaining and getting people to go see it like everyone will love it.
As far as the sequel is concerned, I know I'll end up seeing it eventually. But I don't assume the apple here is going to fall far from the tree. And hey- they can dress it up in any bright, shiny packaging they want- they'll get the same zombified audiences they got the first time, kids will laugh and scream and repeat nearly every attempt-at-comedy line of dialogue - people will use it as an escape and a chance not to think. Which is what most people did in regard to Madagascar and Shrek, what I assume they're doing to The Wild, and if this movie is as mind-numbing as the original, what they'll do to Ice Age 2: keep making excuses for underwelming family films just because they find them to be entertaining. I hope somebody has second thoughts now, because remember- I can say anything is entertaining: watching hundreds of people being trampled to death at a Pantera concert - who's with me? It's fun, right? If I should say so, you'd have to re-think it... Now, what's the difference between this and March of the Penguins? Except for the fact that this is all about animated/cgi films, this is about anything be dressed up as entertaining and getting people to go see it like everyone will love it.
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The first one was mediocre. The animation was VERY weak... I honestly believe the animation in Toy Story 7 years earlier was much more stretchy and fun to watch than the stiffness and simplicity (wich can be good, just no here) in Ice Age. Scrat got some laughs out of me though. So as long as The Meltdown is better than the original it should be fine and do great at the Box Office.
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Some more reviews.
A lot of the weird, rough edges of the previous movie have been replaced with a more polished sheen.
CinemaBlend.com
Whenever Scrat is on the screen, the movie consistently delights young and old.
Internet Reviews
A bit spotty in the early goings, almost stalls in the middle, but from there takes off toward climax and never looks back. A lot of fun. John Leguizamo rocks.
Hollywood Report Card
A frolicsome adventure for kids that celebrates diversity, facing one's fears, and relying on each other in troubled times.
Spirituality and Practice.
Ice Age 2 isn't really a meltdown, but it's no bolt from a Blue Sky.
Decent Films Guide.
The wacky creatures from the first Ice Age return for a witty, poignant sequel made by people who actually care about animation.
St. Paul Pioneer Press
Ice Age The Meltdown leaves you with a warm feeling, and not the typical frustration at being ripped off by a cheesy sequel.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
"Ice Age The Meltdown is fine, in much the same way the first one was fine -- not as inventive as Pixar, but not out scratching for jokes like Chicken Little.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Ice Age The Meltdown blithely looks on the bright side of life, amassing a screen full of vultures to sing and dance 'Food Glorious Food' and daring us not to get happy.
Entertainment Weekly.
Forget two thumbs up. Ice Age The Meltdown earns three toes up -- of the sloth variety.
Minneapolis Star Tribune.
The movie still retains the goofy charm, stylish visuals and attention to character of its fine 2002 predecessor.
L.A. Weekly.
This Ice Age is still a good movie (especially for kids) with top-of-the-tech CGI.
Chicago Tribune.
Ice Age The Meltdown delivers the kind of cinematic package they expect cute animals, funny moments, and cartoonish action sequences.
ReelViews.
Scrat once again steals the show!
Sean the Movie Guy.
i cant wait to watch this. what are your guys thoughts on the movie.
check out this cool clip for ice age 2.
http//media.filmforce.ign.com/media/040/040605/vids_1.html
close
ice age 2 is going to be out soon. and i cant wait to watch it. and here is some early reviews.
A lot of the weird, rough edges of the previous movie have been replaced with a more polished sheen.
CinemaBlend.com
Whenever Scrat is on the screen, the movie consistently delights young and old.
Internet Reviews
A bit spotty in the early goings, almost stalls in the middle, but from there takes off toward climax and never looks back. A lot of fun. John Leguizamo rocks.
Hollywood Report Card
A frolicsome adventure for kids that celebrates diversity, facing one's fears, and relying on each other in troubled times.
Spirituality and Practice.
Ice Age 2 isn't really a meltdown, but it's no bolt from a Blue Sky.
Decent Films Guide.
The wacky creatures from the first Ice Age return for a witty, poignant sequel made by people who actually care about animation.
St. Paul Pioneer Press
Ice Age: The Meltdown leaves you with a warm feeling, and not the typical frustration at being ripped off by a cheesy sequel.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
"Ice Age: The Meltdown is fine, in much the same way the first one was fine -- not as inventive as Pixar, but not out scratching for jokes like Chicken Little.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Ice Age: The Meltdown blithely looks on the bright side of life, amassing a screen full of vultures to sing and dance 'Food Glorious Food' and daring us not to get happy.
Entertainment Weekly.
Forget two thumbs up. Ice Age: The Meltdown earns three toes up -- of the sloth variety.
Minneapolis Star Tribune.
The movie still retains the goofy charm, stylish visuals and attention to character of its fine 2002 predecessor.
L.A. Weekly.
This Ice Age is still a good movie (especially for kids) with top-of-the-tech CGI.
Chicago Tribune.
Ice Age The Meltdown delivers the kind of cinematic package they expect: cute animals, funny moments, and cartoonish action sequences.
ReelViews.
Scrat once again steals the show!
Sean the Movie Guy.
A lot of the weird, rough edges of the previous movie have been replaced with a more polished sheen.
CinemaBlend.com
Whenever Scrat is on the screen, the movie consistently delights young and old.
Internet Reviews
A bit spotty in the early goings, almost stalls in the middle, but from there takes off toward climax and never looks back. A lot of fun. John Leguizamo rocks.
Hollywood Report Card
A frolicsome adventure for kids that celebrates diversity, facing one's fears, and relying on each other in troubled times.
Spirituality and Practice.
Ice Age 2 isn't really a meltdown, but it's no bolt from a Blue Sky.
Decent Films Guide.
The wacky creatures from the first Ice Age return for a witty, poignant sequel made by people who actually care about animation.
St. Paul Pioneer Press
Ice Age The Meltdown leaves you with a warm feeling, and not the typical frustration at being ripped off by a cheesy sequel.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
"Ice Age The Meltdown is fine, in much the same way the first one was fine -- not as inventive as Pixar, but not out scratching for jokes like Chicken Little.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Ice Age The Meltdown blithely looks on the bright side of life, amassing a screen full of vultures to sing and dance 'Food Glorious Food' and daring us not to get happy.
Entertainment Weekly.
Forget two thumbs up. Ice Age The Meltdown earns three toes up -- of the sloth variety.
Minneapolis Star Tribune.
The movie still retains the goofy charm, stylish visuals and attention to character of its fine 2002 predecessor.
L.A. Weekly.
This Ice Age is still a good movie (especially for kids) with top-of-the-tech CGI.
Chicago Tribune.
Ice Age The Meltdown delivers the kind of cinematic package they expect cute animals, funny moments, and cartoonish action sequences.
ReelViews.
Scrat once again steals the show!
Sean the Movie Guy.
i cant wait to watch this. what are your guys thoughts on the movie.
check out this cool clip for ice age 2.
http//media.filmforce.ign.com/media/040/040605/vids_1.html
close
ice age 2 is going to be out soon. and i cant wait to watch it. and here is some early reviews.
A lot of the weird, rough edges of the previous movie have been replaced with a more polished sheen.
CinemaBlend.com
Whenever Scrat is on the screen, the movie consistently delights young and old.
Internet Reviews
A bit spotty in the early goings, almost stalls in the middle, but from there takes off toward climax and never looks back. A lot of fun. John Leguizamo rocks.
Hollywood Report Card
A frolicsome adventure for kids that celebrates diversity, facing one's fears, and relying on each other in troubled times.
Spirituality and Practice.
Ice Age 2 isn't really a meltdown, but it's no bolt from a Blue Sky.
Decent Films Guide.
The wacky creatures from the first Ice Age return for a witty, poignant sequel made by people who actually care about animation.
St. Paul Pioneer Press
Ice Age: The Meltdown leaves you with a warm feeling, and not the typical frustration at being ripped off by a cheesy sequel.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
"Ice Age: The Meltdown is fine, in much the same way the first one was fine -- not as inventive as Pixar, but not out scratching for jokes like Chicken Little.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Ice Age: The Meltdown blithely looks on the bright side of life, amassing a screen full of vultures to sing and dance 'Food Glorious Food' and daring us not to get happy.
Entertainment Weekly.
Forget two thumbs up. Ice Age: The Meltdown earns three toes up -- of the sloth variety.
Minneapolis Star Tribune.
The movie still retains the goofy charm, stylish visuals and attention to character of its fine 2002 predecessor.
L.A. Weekly.
This Ice Age is still a good movie (especially for kids) with top-of-the-tech CGI.
Chicago Tribune.
Ice Age The Meltdown delivers the kind of cinematic package they expect: cute animals, funny moments, and cartoonish action sequences.
ReelViews.
Scrat once again steals the show!
Sean the Movie Guy.
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I'm really not sure how anyone can take you seriously, anymore.Lazario wrote: What do you mean? I never said the whole movie with CG'ed, parts of it were and real documentaries don't do that.
If there is CGI in MOTP, it's because some of the pictures came out blury and they had to make it clear so the audience can see it better.
Buy March of the Penguins on DVD, and you'll see a documentary that proves there are no "real" CGI things in the film. This is a documentary in every sense of the word and it uses little(if any) CG.
I'm not really sure why I care, though, if you believe something that's not true. It wouldn't be the first time.

Oh shoot, I posted again, and I haven't seen IA2!

But trying to stay on topic: so far Rotten Tomatoes give it a 59%.
Though of course, it only has 79 reviews in for now, but so far, it doesn't look it be quite as good as the original. I'll still see it!

Oh, and now I hear there's going to be a Simpsons trailers! SWEET!

Well, I just got back from seeing it. I was quite surprised at the amount of teenagers and young adults in the theatre - then again, it was a 9:25pm showing, and the mall that the theatre is attached to is a popular hangout for suburban high school mallrats, I think. 
Overall I'd agree with the RT concensus - it's a really "meh" film - and I really enjoyed the original, too. I applaude the filmmakers for addressing the issue of global warming - in a way, anyway. The only thing I don't like is the tangibility they set to the global warming concept - i.e. (highlight for spoilers) a big reservoir of meltwater blocked up behind a dam of rapidly melting ice, threatening a watery death for all the animals in the crater-like valley. Global temperature change isn't as simple as an increase in a few degrees and some ice melting - but hey, at least it might get some kids to start using that fatty organ inside their skull!
There was something about the characters that just wasn't as engaging as the first time around - they felt awfully sterile and cool. Oh, and those here that want to see it for Queen Latifah - I can say with a fair amount of certainty that you'll be disappointed. Even she was awfully tame and reined-in most of the time in her voicework... sadly, she just wasn't that charming.
Overall, the plot (and most of the little subplots) was awfully mediocre. It really felt like a rehash - most of the same material from the original that made it a good, humorous film appears here again, and it ultimately leaves you a bit "hollow" and unsatisfied. Even the character doodles done by young kids are back in the end credits! The little segments with Scrat interspersed throughout the film are probably the best bits, though - they feel quite Chuck Jones-like, as in his Wile E. Coyote shorts, specifically. Anyhoo, that's pretty much it in a nutshell. Dunno if I'd bother getting this one on DVD, even. It just wasn't that great. 
Trailers I saw were the standard "Come Sail Away" one for The Wild, a new one for Over The Hedge, Lindsay Lohan looking semi-normal (e.g. auburn hair and not deathly-skinny) in Just My Luck, the Robin Williams family comedy(?!) RV, a hilarious new trailer for Happy Feet with the Robin Williams penguin character singing a Spanish serenade (Dancing penguins? Robin Williams? Spanish influences? I'm so there!!
). There was much rolling of the eyes at the Garfield sequel preview (of all the ridiculous, unwarranted follow-ups... bleah!), and finally - yes, there was a short teaser for The Simpsons Movie that played off of the Superman Returns hype a little bit. 
So anyhoo... recommended? Not really. Maybe worth a second-run theatre viewing or a rental, but it at least worked for a bit of escapism for me!

Overall I'd agree with the RT concensus - it's a really "meh" film - and I really enjoyed the original, too. I applaude the filmmakers for addressing the issue of global warming - in a way, anyway. The only thing I don't like is the tangibility they set to the global warming concept - i.e. (highlight for spoilers) a big reservoir of meltwater blocked up behind a dam of rapidly melting ice, threatening a watery death for all the animals in the crater-like valley. Global temperature change isn't as simple as an increase in a few degrees and some ice melting - but hey, at least it might get some kids to start using that fatty organ inside their skull!

There was something about the characters that just wasn't as engaging as the first time around - they felt awfully sterile and cool. Oh, and those here that want to see it for Queen Latifah - I can say with a fair amount of certainty that you'll be disappointed. Even she was awfully tame and reined-in most of the time in her voicework... sadly, she just wasn't that charming.


Trailers I saw were the standard "Come Sail Away" one for The Wild, a new one for Over The Hedge, Lindsay Lohan looking semi-normal (e.g. auburn hair and not deathly-skinny) in Just My Luck, the Robin Williams family comedy(?!) RV, a hilarious new trailer for Happy Feet with the Robin Williams penguin character singing a Spanish serenade (Dancing penguins? Robin Williams? Spanish influences? I'm so there!!


So anyhoo... recommended? Not really. Maybe worth a second-run theatre viewing or a rental, but it at least worked for a bit of escapism for me!

Life often leaves us standing bare, naked and dejected with a lost opportunity. Over the bleached bones and jumbled residues of numerous civilizations are written the pathetic words: "Too late."
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Wow....
Ice Age: The Meltdown Scores $21.6 Million
I am seeing it for free at 5:20... will report how it is tomorrow.
Ice Age: The Meltdown Scores $21.6 Million
I am seeing it for free at 5:20... will report how it is tomorrow.
Cheers,
JM
JM
