Ice Age: The Meltdown MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 Content: +2 1/2

Voice Cast: Voices of: Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Seann William Scott, Will Arnett, Josh Peck, Jay Leno, and Queen Latifah. Director: Carlos Saldanha

FILM SYNOPSIS: This sequel to the popular 2002 hit reunites the sloth named Sid (Leguizamo), a woolly mammoth Manfred (Romano) and Diego (Leary), a saber-toothed tiger. Fun and games are balanced with a serious side as this trio of unlikely heroes face a thawing and melting glacial ice cap which could result in the entire valley being flooded. The only chance of survival is to get to the other end of the valley where a Noah's ark styled boat awaits.

PREVIEW REVIEW: There are several new characters encountered on their journey. The most prominent are a female mammoth named Ellie (Latifah) and her two "brother" possums named Crash and Eddie. This entertaining comedy will have kids in stitches. Yuks, guffaws and chuckles are elicited from this light-hearted story. The movie discusses overcoming your fears and the value of love and companionship. There are breaks in the main story where segues are inserted featuring Scrat the squirrel in his never-ending quest to chase down an elusive acorn. Each attempt of this ongoing cartoon-within-the-movie is funnier than the next. The CGI animation merits top marks. The movements of the menagerie of cleverly-conceived animals are life-like, precise and realistic. The main characters face dangerous obstacles and narrow escapes. There are some big musical numbers of famous show tunes that are cleverly choreographed. A great job of editing the two simultaneous story threads that capture your imagination and sustain your undivided attention. Once again, this family-friendly film is filled with likeable characters that you care about and gain your allegiance.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: 20th Century Fox