OK for kids 6+
Age-appropriate 3-D food adventure doesn't fully satisfy.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this adaptation of the classic children's book Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is bound to attract the10-and-under set. While there's nothing overtly age-inappropriate in the movie, expect a bit of salty language along the lines of "hell" and and the occasional mild insult like "stupid" or "knuckle scrapers." The few tense/slightly scary scenes are weather- and giant food-related -- which could upset little kids who are sensitive to fears about natural disasters -- and there's a brewing romance between the main character and a weather reporter. Although no grand life lessons are offered, the movie does center on a son's need for fatherly encouragement and the idea that you shouldn't compromise who you are just to be popular. The movie's plot is very different than the book's, so anyone expecting a straight adaptation will be disappointed.
- Families can talk about the movie's message about compromising yourself for the sake of popularity. Is that ever worth it? How does Sam change once she knows that Flint likes that she's actually smart?
- How does the movie portray technology? When does the experiment go wrong?
- Why does Flint want his father's approval so badly? Does his father have a point in discouraging Flint's inventions?
The good stuff
-
Educational value: Not much, unless you consider the movie as some sort of lesson about not eating genetically modified food.
-
Messages: The messages in this movie aren't hit-you-over-the-head obvious, but kids who watch may take away positive ideas about being liked for who you really are and not having to change your appearance just to be cool. There's also a recurring theme about parents needing to have faith in their children, as well as negative consequences for unchecked greed.
-
Role models: Flint shows Sam that she's beautiful even when she's "nerdy" and that she shouldn't dumb herself down for anyone. Flint's father learns to be supportive.
What to watch for
-
Violence and scariness: A hurricane of food threatens to destroy Chew and Swallow, as well as other major cities around the world. Characters are in danger/peril due to enormous falling food -- and other food mutations (including somewhat creepy headless chickens). The "rat birds" are humorously creepy and pop up again and again -- in one case, a rat bird snatches up the "world's biggest sardine."
-
Sexy stuff: Sam and Flint flirt with each other on several occasions, and in one sequence it's clear that Flint is "pursuing" Sam to be his girlfriend. After almost kissing a couple of times, they finally do kiss.
-
Language: Mild insults and language include "hell hole," "knuckle scrapers," "crazy jerk," "stupid," etc.
-
Consumerism: Not an issue
-
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
3
Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs by stealthwahine
My 6 year old read the book at school so she was really excited to see this. The book would probably be too short as written to be a feature and the storylimes they added to fill it out were a little over her head. All in all, my girls thought it was funny although my 5 year old was restless around the 1 hour mark. I thought it was just OK.
4
Quite Entertaining by vvnliz
It was unique and entertaining. A lot of "I didn't see that one coming" moments. Go watch it!
5
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Dragonlady5
Great movie. Even the adults were laughing. First time my 5-year old granddaughter sat through a whole movie.
4
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by angie78090
I loved the movie! I took my 3 kids 10,8 and 4 and they really enjoyed it! The concept of the movie was really cute.
5
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by welooovemovies
My son and his friend are 10 yrs. old and they loved it. There are enough laughs to keep parents entertained too.
5
Five Word Review by xezar
funny smart nerds save world
5
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by aubreo025
Great movie! We took our daughter to go see it who is 4 and she loved it! We actually were laughing at quite a few of the parts ourselves!!
4
Five Word Review by LiquidAJ
Funny Colorful Delicious Tasty Cute
5
Five Word Review by Cheryloxx
Unique wit from the sky
5
Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs by rudykoch
Took our three grandchildren ages 4, 8, 11 to see the movie. Even though it didn't really follow the book too closely all three grandkids were enthralled. The youngest even forgot to eat his candy.
This is a must go for kids.