Review of Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006) by Jonny B — 23 Jul 2012

The Blue Sky Studios blew us all out of the water when it unleashed Ice Age onto the big screen; it was an excellent animation with heart and a great plot line.

Four years later, The Meltdown strikes and while it lacks the originality, the heart and the story of its predecessor, its humour and character likability means its still a fine watch.

Manny (voiced by Ray Romano), Sid (voiced by John Leguizamo) and Diego (voiced by Denis Leary) return to the prehistoric setting as a new breathtaking adventure awaits them. This adventure is already hinted at in the title 'The Meltdown' and this is basically what it is. The ice begins to melt due to natural global warming (you would think) and this leaves out trio - and fresh new characters - in deep peril.

Introduced to spice things up is female mammoth Ellie (voiced by Queen Latifah). Not only does Manny grow feelings for her, but he is now convinced that his species haven't become extinct; sadly, Ellie who was brought up by possums, believes she is a possum despite the obvious characteristics differences.

Also, Scrat (the sabre tooth rat voiced by Chris Wedge) makes a return with his brief sub-plot which involves him attempting to salvage an acorn which he can never seem to keep hold of without a catastrophic event occurring directly because of it. Still a fun character despite his inability to speak.

When you compare this to the excellent original you do feel there is quite a large difference. The wow factor I first interpreted whilst watching the first Ice Age was greater than watching The Meltdown. This was due to originality so that couldn't be helped but that is why sequels must work harder to please.

The verdict is though, family fun in abundance, lots of laughs and a plain sailing ride with nothing controversial or too complex then you should have no qualms with Ice Age 2.