Funny, but kinda bi-polar

Rating: 7/10 (15 August 2016)

I personally think any spoilers contained in this review are slight, but wanted to mark it as containing spoilers regardless since I wouldn't want to ruin anyone's viewing experience.
Within 5 minutes I understood exactly why some people who'd paid good money to see this film decided to walk out. There is absolutely nothing subtle about Sausage Party. The foul language, the archetypal (and often wildly racist) characters, the crude humor, the overall theme of the movie -- everything is amped up to 69. And if you even cracked a smile at the suggestiveness of that number, then you'll probably at least partially enjoy Sausage Party.
Almost instantly the viewer is assaulted with the humor device of cute, Pixar-like animated characters swearing like sailors and spouting x-rated puns and innuendo. It's funny to an extent, but after a short while it loses its novelty and punch because it's used to such a ridiculous extent. It didn't offend me in the slightest, but it made me worry that it might be all the movie had to offer. So for many audience members not expecting such language and low- brow sexual humor being hurled at them consistently, I can completely understand them being quickly turned off and wanting to leave. Even though I'm a guy, I can see why women in general might be offended by both the visual representation of females, and the fact that they're written fairly shallowly while the males have more depth and character development. One can certainly tell that it was written by "bros."
And then there is the odd juxtaposition of all this cursing and innuendo over a plot that is clearly a ham-fisted discussion about religion, the possible pointlessness of it, and the sure destructiveness it has inspired by those who take it to extremes. Many people who weren't offended by all the cursing will probably take umbrage at the plot that almost immediately paints followers of pretty much all religions as clueless, automaton-like zealots who follow the "rules" and oppress their feelings and desires because they feel it's the only way to secure their place in an abstract and glorified afterlife. Once a few characters become "enlightened" to the fact that heaven is an illusion, the "gods" are monsters, and religion in general was something a small, shadowy group dreamed up as a way alleviate fears and essentially keep the population in line, Sausage Party seems to become an attack on all spiritual beliefs. Again, I can definitely see why people of any religion would take offense to the extent that they would walk out of the theater.
However, much like the movie Dogma, ((here's where there's a potential spoiler, although I don't think it factors heavily into the overall plot)) there is an eventual realization that religion isn't inherently bad; and even an atheist can't claim to be smarter or superior because they don't have all the concrete answers and cannot completely disprove the notion of a higher power. But by that time, many viewers will have tuned out because of what will surely (and understandably) be construed as mocking anti-religious propaganda. In addition, there are copious displays of drug-use which, in themselves, many might find offensive; but also being portrayed as portals to knowledge and enlightenment could be thought of as dangerous and irresponsible.
And as a final, button-pushing display, the movie suddenly discards all the heavy-handed theological discussion for a scene that is astonishingly graphic -- even given the fact that the main characters are a sausage and a bun. This constant veering from juvenile humor, foul language, and over-the top stereotypes to a social and religious commentary seems like two entirely different movies mashed together. Both of those movies have huge potential to alienate a large percentage of audiences, so seeing them layered on top of one another seems like an enormous risk... especially when the trailers seemed to promise just crudeness and violence towards grocery store products.
All that said, I personally found it generally funny and entertaining. I openly admit that I find a lesbian taco and a Stephen Hawking-like character portrayed as a deformed wad of used chewing gum to be amusing... even though they're silly and offensive. Thankfully the film tries to make fun of pretty much everyone, so it's not really an attack on a specific group. It even makes fun of itself and its own writers and producers by pointing out their childish and crude humor, so I found that refreshingly self-aware. Is it for everyone? Most definitely not... not by a long shot. But there is an audience that will enjoy it. I just suggest doing some research on it beforehand to see if any of its facets will make you regret spending $30 on a ticket and popcorn