One of the best animated movies I have ever seen!

Rating: 8/10 (7 October 2010)

Recently, I had yet to see a children's animated movie that wasn't by Disney or DreamWorks that was just a pure joy to watch since Spirited Away and I'm very happy to say that Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is one of the greatest animated children's movies I have ever seen. Based on a children's book, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is about a young inventor called Flint who has invented a brilliant machine that turns water into food and Sam Sparks, a weathergirl with a secret. As Flint tries his new invention, the machine goes horribly wrong and starts to manipulate the weather. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is very colourful and beautifully animated from start to finish with everything very detailed and looking visually gorgeous and mouth-watering, I can imagine how good this would look in 3D. The animation isn't exactly Disney Pixar quality but it could rival DreamWorks very easily. The story is very imaginative and original and it reminds you of children's movies you watched back in the eighties and nineties with some great comical slapstick thrown in for good measure. Also added to the story is humour thanks to the messages the story provides, the style of the animation and the quirky and lovable characters. The main thing about an animation that can either make you love it more or not is the casting. I feel that a voice actor must have the perfect voice that matches the character in the movie otherwise it can be rather distracting from the movie. Fortunately, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs not only has a brilliant cast but all of their voices matches the characters perfectly.
Some of the cast include Anna Faris, James Caan, Bruce Campbell, Mr. T and Neil Patrick Harris and all do a magnificent job in lending their voices to their characters. The writing is quite smart as, even though this is a children's animated movie, it's so much more than that. In the imaginative, bright story lies a subtle message about confidence and parental guidance and surely enough, the audience will see that message shine through in the movie. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is something that is not only original but absolutely funny as well and very memorable. I have never heard of the book before (in fact, I didn't even know it was a book until I saw the credits at the end of the movie) but if you want to see a children's movie that makes you laugh as well as charms you, then look no further than Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.
The movie is something that both adults and children will enjoy and is a prime example of what is a perfect family movie. With the voices adding to the characters and the brilliantly colourful animation, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is something that you will not forget in a hurry. The movie may not be the same quality as Disney or Pixar but it's close enough so well done to Sony. The only regret I have about this movie is that I did not go to see it in 3D because I could imagine it being fantastic, however the movie itself is brilliant. Also, I might add, Steve is probably one of the best animated characters I have ever watched! To the people who have a soft spot for animation, you do not want to miss this feast.
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