The Meltdown
Ice Age
Review by Ross Anthony

After quite enjoying the first Ice Age, I looked forward to MELTDOWN.

Back are John Leguizamo, Raymond Romano and Denis Leary, and that goofy squirrel ever chasing his illusive acorn. This time around add to the voice cast Queen Latifah.

Though his camera/mic time is unfortunately limited, I enjoyed Denis Leary as the Sabor-toothed tiger of few words. But it's absolutely John Leguizamo who deserves immense praise for the success of this project. His voice is persistently personal, ever loveable despite his character's lonely desperation. John is an interesting and versatile talent, I've seen him bomb, and I've seen him beam -- here he nails his character to the screen and to our hearts. Perhaps mostly known as a comedian, he delivers an incredible performance in a rather dark disturbing film Summer of Sam -- it's one heck of a contrast to ICE AGE.

Further praise is due to the designer of John's character's visual. Sid the Sloth is the perfect mix of ugly and adorable.

Meltdown is actually dialogue driven, but there's still plenty of site gags (and other sites) to keep the kiddies amused. Warm-hearted for a production with so much ice, the picture takes a shot at your funny bone at every chance, but also has the depth to tug on a few heartstrings.

A bit spotty in the early goings and there's almost a stall in the middle, but from there on in it takes off toward climax and never looks back. A lot of fun.

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  • Ice Age The Meltdown. Copyright © 2006.
  • Starring Georgie Henleyc Skandar Keynes, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Tilda Swinton, James McAvoy, Jim Broadbent, Kiran Shah, Liam Neeson.
  • Directed by Thomas Carter.
  • Screenplay by Ann Peacock, Andrew Adamson, Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely Based on the book by C.S. Lewis.
  • Produced by Mark Johnson, Philip Steuer at Buena Vista/Disney and Walden Media.

Grade..........................A- (3/4)


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Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


Last Modified: Saturday, 16-Sep-2006 08:07:41 PDT