Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs Review

Inspired by the 1978 children’s book. “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” is about a nerdy young scientist(Flint), who dreams of changing the world with his inventions. When his home town of Swallow Falls is hit by hard economic times, Flint builds a machine that converts water into food. He becomes the town hero when treats such as burgers, ice cream, pancakes and many other delights fall from the sky like rain. But when the machine looses control and threatens to bury the whole world, Flint realizes he’s in over his head, and must stop the chaos.

Rating: Four out of five buckets
Release Date: January 5, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: Any age
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: None

See the trailer here!

Talking Points:

Considering that the book is too short for a full length movie, this movie does not have much resemblance to the original story, though it’s a wonderful animated version with lovable characters.

Flint grows up in a very loving family. His mom encourages him to follow his dreams, while his dad has the same feelings, he has a harder time expressing them.

Flint’s dad points out that people shouldn’t get everything they want. That food and treats falling from the sky will cause greed and laziness and won’t be good for people.

There’s a subtle message against junk food and over eating. Some kids get sick from too much candy, and the mayor gains a lot of weight, while becoming obsessed with food.

The movie goes overboard the last 15 minutes when the machine goes haywire and Flint tries to stop it. It’s a very drawn out dramatic conclusion, which may even scare some kids.

Sexual Content: Mild

Flint explains to his adorable love interest, (the intern weather girl), that it’s important to be yourself, don’t worry about what people think of you.
Innocent flirting.

Violent Content: Mild