Genre: Animation, Family
Director: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Actors: Bill Hader, Anna Faris, Bruce Campbell, James Caan, Bobb'e J. Thompson, Andy Samberg, Mr. T, Benjamin Bratt, Neil Patrick Harris, Al Roker, Lauren Graham, Will Forte.
Runtime: 81 min
Budget: $100 million
Year: 2009
Flint Lockwood (Bill Hader) always wanted to invent something awesome. Unfortunately all his inventions have become a failure which has led to people already making fun of him at a young age. However, when the town’s economy fells, the town is in hard times, having sardines as the only food in Swallow Falls, Flint wants to rescue his town from hunger and finally comes up with an invention that converts water into food. But something goes wrong and food starts raining down.
Be sure the film is strictly targeted towards children. But even those under 7 won't have their jaw just dropped in amazement. The story is very simple, sometimes even daft. Of course, kids would love food flying at them or a live turkey eating a human being, but filmmakers can't please them with excellent animation.
There are no 'filler' jokes, as many kid's films do today. No jokes with 'potty humor'. All of them are absolutely in good taste and even funny sometimes. The best joke of the film is undoubtedly Flint's lab. We should only guess how a boy from not so rich family can afford himself such a lab.
Nevertheless, the story develops nicely and steadily, with no dead patches. Both Bill Hader and Anna Faris as Flint and Sam, respectively, capture the essence of these two socially-awkward, smarter-than-you-might-think type of characters perfectly. Maybe their so original and cute designs are meant to emphasize their social awkwardness. Anyway, the only thing making this movie worth watching it is its characters. Both Flint and Sam are likable and vulnerable, and the romance between them is believable and pleasing. The real entertainment of the film lies in the support cast though. James Caan is outstanding as the father and Mr. T as the loving father and over enthusiastic local cop.
The first part can be considered even clever and engaging, but the second half of the animated movie leaves a foul aftertaste. The film is trying to tell us a tale of a young man's quest to become an inventor, it is a moral tale of parental recognition and moderation in junk food that can cause you to be fat. The ideas are good but not the ways of their presentation. The movie won't justify your insanely high expectations for it. But nevertheless it is a good father-and-son film that can be watched.
One more note. It'd better to see it in 3D version. Prepare to get served...literally.
10.09.2010 You can see wide alternative of 
