Doesn't compare to the original

Rating: 5/10 (6 September 2008)

I was really disappointed by this sequel. First thing's first, Scrat has a lot more screen time here. That wouldn't be so bad if his scenes weren't so clichéd. The trouble he keeps getting into is predictable, as are his reactions. Really, furry animals doing kung fu stopped being funny a dozen movies ago. Also, in the first movie his scenes were integrated into the main plot. Here, there just tacked on between scenes. Now, on to the main portion of this steamy crap sandwich.
I knew that adding characters for a sequel was inevitable, but I guess no one told these guys when to stop. There are crapwads of new characters here, many of them just ugly to look at (especially those turtle-like things, eccch). They tried to make the kids cute but they just come off as horribly disfigured warts that look like they've been tied up in a sack and beaten with an ugly stick. What's even worse though is the flat character design inherent in all of the characters... Well, except for the possum brothers. They're more convincing in character design and personality. But then again, they're supporting roles. The new lead role goes to a female mammoth who's convinced she's a possum. I don't know what they were smoking to come up with that idea, but it just doesn't work.
As for the plot, it can be summed up in one abbreviation: WTF?! It was a good idea to take cues from the first movie and get Manny hooked up with a girl, but there's little time to develop their relationship. What really sucks though, is that the turning point in this conflict (they hate each other in the beginning) comes out of nowhere with no explanation. But that's still not as detestable as the volcano scene, which is basically one big dumb joke with a predictable punchline. It comes out of nowhere, goes on for a few minutes and then heads back to the main plot like nothing ever happened. The jokes here have taken a decidedly adult turn as well. Someone must've really thought the "wipe your... face" joke from Shrek was clever, because they've got that kind of humor in droves here. The first time this happens it's quite funny, but it fails to hit the mark again.
Overall though, Ice Age: the Meltdown should be seen only by huge fans of the first, and only for completeness. With a better, more focused plot it could've been much more enjoyable.