It seems like a stretch to adapt a 30-page children's book into an effective full-length feature, but the creative tandem of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller are more than up to the task with Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs. Based on Ron and Judi Barrett's best-selling book of the same name, this film is as fun as the title suggests. Armed with some creative animation, a witty script and break-neck action, the film manages to engage the viewer regardless of age and doesn't fall into the all-too-common trap of dumbing down for the audience. Even the tired gimmick of 3-D isn't enough to detract from 85-minutes of sheer entertainment.

The story chronicles the scientific exploits of young inventor Flint Lockwood (voiced by Bill Hader) who lives on the small island of Swallow Falls, a place so insignificant it is hidden "under the A in the Atlantic" on a map. Swallow Falls was known for one thing and one thing only: sardines. The business of sardines supported the island and kept all of its inhabitants' bellies full of every conceivable concoction of the little fish—so much so that they began to grumble and complain. When the sardine industry takes a dive after the world discovers more palate-pleasing options, Flint takes it upon himself to put his keen scientific intellect to work by inventing a device that can transform water into any type of food. After years of failed inventions ("spray-on shoes" being one of his more interesting ones), Flint's food-creating machine actually works and, after shooting the device into the atmosphere above the island, it begins to rain delicious food of his choosing: hamburgers, hot dogs and bacon and eggs just to name a few.

Like manna from heaven, the food showers down on an island of grateful recipients. While most of Swallow Falls residents are overjoyed, Flint's father Tim Lockwood (Bruce Dern) remains stubbornly longing for the past and struggling to keep his sardine business afloat. Masking his own disappointment that Flint has not followed in his footsteps, the elder Lockwood speaks to his son in guarded tones and corny fishing metaphors.

The island experiences a revival and Mayor Shelbourne (Bruce Campbell) cannot help but see the dollar signs as he turns it into a tourist trap re-named Chew and Swallow. A newbie weather-girl named Sam Sparks (Anna Faris) arrives to document the meteorological disturbance for a cable weather channel and becomes a close ally of Flint, even as the malfunctioning machine goes haywire and begins to do more harm than good.

Even through the rollercoaster action and hilarity (like watching Mayor Shelbourne's body expand seemingly overnight), the film is rich with meaning and valuable teaching moments. Flint is the textbook stereotype of a nerd but he embraces it and is not ashamed to be intelligent. He encourages Sam, who dolls herself up for television and acts like a dingbat, to not be afraid to be herself. Underneath all of her glitz and glamor is a well-spoken science junkie like him who wears glasses and pulls her hair straight back in a plain ponytail. It is refreshing to see that heroism and intelligence can go hand-in-hand. The film also provides a stepping-stone for conversation about important social issues like economic instability, world hunger, and the dangers of genetically-engineered food.

Most importantly, the film provides a lesson as old as the scriptures. Just as the desert-occupying Israelites complained about the manna from heaven not being enough, so the residents of Swallow Falls long for more than sardines. God heard the Israelites' complaint and granted them all the quail they could eat... and this was ultimately their undoing as many of them were struck down with a great plague. What began as a good thing soon turned into something catastrophic. Through this God is telling us to be careful what you ask for; you just might get it. In Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs, the people of Swallow Falls learn this valuable lesson as well.