Ice Age: The Meltdown delights!

Rating: 8/10 (6 April 2006)

I have to admit, the first "Ice Age" wasn't very good in my book. In fact, I thought it was downright annoying. But in spite of that I thought "Ice Age: The Meltdown" looked really funny and different, and because cartoon films are almost always amusing in some way. Which is why I saw it. This movie is so much better than the first; there were actually some hilarious scenes. And you'll know where they are as you bust your gut.
"Ice Age: The Meltdown" takes place at the end of the Ice Age, hence the subtitle "The Meltdown". All the zany characters are back as they make for a boat to escape before a dam breaks letting loose an ocean of water. And yes, the squirrel rat is back and still trying to get his nut, which makes me frustrated at times, but is still funny. Poor nameless squirrel rat.
It amazes me how they can get such perfect voices for the characters. Especially John Leguizamo as Sid the Sloth. One thing I wish they would've left out is two sea monsters that chase our heroes many times. It makes for some unnecessary peril when they could've been making jokes. The serious moments in the first "Ice Age" is one reason I didn't like it. They really cut back on peril in this one, but still not enough. Other than that, this cartoon is a knee slapper. Also, I think the move by Fox to call it "The Meltdown" instead of just "Ice Age 2" made it seem more of its own film than a stupid sequel. Same with calling it "X-Men: The Last Stand" instead of just "X3". And "Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties" instead of "Garfield 2", but don't even get me started on why they made a sequel to the poorly made first "Garfield".
"Ice Age: The Meltdown" is a great family film that will have even the hardest hearts managing a chuckle. I give it 8 out of 10. Rated PG for some mild language and innuendo.