Ice Age 2 - Jetzt taut's (Ice Age: The Meltdown)
U.S.A. 2006

Opening 6 Apr 2006

Directed by: Carlos Saldanha
Writing credits: Peter Gaulke, Gerry Swallow
Principal actors: Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Queen Latifah, Seann William Scott

The approaching ice age that threatened all in Ice Age retreats in Ice Age: The Meltdown. How time flies! This time round the dysfunctional clan of Manny the wooly mammoth (voice Ray Romano), Sid the sloth (voice John Leguizamo), and Diego the saber-toothed tiger (voice Denis Leary) must deal with the threat of an impending deluge of the valley that is their home. The trio must warn all the animals that are in the vicinity and flee with them to a boat which is rumored to be at the end of the valley. On top of that, there are personal issues to come to terms with as well. Manny must face up to the fact that he may be the sole remaining mammoth on earth, and Diego must overcome his fear of water. Along the frantic way, the trio picks up and is hindered by a few stragglers: possum brothers Crash (voice Seann William Scott) and Eddie (voice Josh Peck) and their very un-possum like "sister", Ellie (voice Queen Latifah).  And of course, rodent Scrat (voice Chris Wedge) is present and ever after that elusive acorn.

In contrast to Ice Age, which featured only a few characters, there are a plethora of characters, maybe even too many, in Ice Age: The Meltdown. One, Fast Tony, even has the voice of Jay Leno.  Nonetheless they all have personality, are unique in one way or another, and are delightful. In addition, the animation and the attention to detail within the animation are absolutely fantastic.  But as with most sequels, the storyline and even the humor pale when compared to its predecessor.  Whereas Ice Age was very original, Ice Age: The Meltdown, at least to me, seems too parallel to The Bible story of Noah’s Ark. Moreover much of the humor in my opinion is somewhat trite.  Nevertheless, Ice Age: the Meltdown is cute and funny, which will make it popular with families around the globe. (Shauna Keeley)