Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, the sequel to the successful children's animation, is due to be released in US cinemas today (27th September). Reviewers have been generally positive when considering the film is aimed at children, but fear parents may find the film dull and lacking in originality. 

Bill Hader
Bill Hader at the L.A. premiere of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.

In the sequel to the animated film, things seem to be going well for scientist extraordinaire Flint Lockwood: he's working at The Live Corp Company for his idol Chester V and romance is still blossoming with meteorologist Sam Sparks. Lockwood, voiced by Bill Hader, and other exiled residents of Swallow Falls, are up against, instead of masses of food, food monsters created by Lockwood's machine.

Watch the movie trailer for Cloudy with A Chance of Meatballs 2:

In addition to Hader, other actors who lend their voices to the animated film include: Anna Faris (as Sam Sparks), James Caan (as Flint's dad, Tim), Will Forte (as Chester V), Terry Crews (as Police Officer Earl) and Andy Samberg (as Brent). 

Critics have given the film favourable reviews. The majority describing the sequel as "fun" and emphasising that it is a "kid's movie". Those who have criticised Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 have recognised that children will love the "colourful and wildly cute" (Miriam Bale, New York Times) animation, parents may find it "tiresome" (Jocelyn Novack, AP) and lacking in "the original film's intelligence" (Sean O'Connell, Washington Post).

Anna Faris
Anna Faris at the Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 premiere.

There's numerous puns throughout the trailer, which appears to be a major theme throughout as numerous critics have commented upon it. As Novack states "KIDS LOVE PUNS. So they laugh at ''There's a leek in the boat.'' And they laugh even more the second time."

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 is out in the US today (27th September). UK cinema goers will have to wait until October 25th, whilst Australian viewers can see Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 from 28th November. 

Terry Crews
Terry Crews with his animated character, Earl.