Written by: Susan Granger
http://www.susangranger.com

The concept of global warming becomes clear for youngsters as some of their favorite animals relocate to avoid extinction when their habitat is flooded in this animated sequel.

Alerted by Fast Tony the armadillo (Jay Leno), Manny the mammoth (Ray Romano), Diego the saber-toothed tiger (Denis Leary) and Sid the zany sloth (John Leguizamo), still pursuing that elusive acorn, reluctantly come to the realization that a huge glacial dam is about to give way and tons of icy water will flood their valley. So they embark on an exhausting, perilous, yet goofy, gag-filled trek to find a safe haven. 

Along the way, each has a life-changing experience - like Manny discovers he may not be the last of his woolly species when he finds Ellie (Queen Latifah), a mammoth who thinks she's a possum like Crash (Sean William Scott) and Eddie (Josh Peck). 

Screenwriters Peter Gaulke, Gerry Swallow and Jim Hecht, working with director Carlos Saldanha have created a charming story about 'family' being where you find it, amplified by impressive CGI effects, many inspired by Biblical imagery, like Noah's Ark. Far more effective than the original "Ice Age," the elimination of human characters this time centers the story on the animals. 

While Fox's Blue Sky animation is still behind Pixar and DreamWorks, it's becoming more polished with each venture. One of the highlights is a Busby Berkeley-style vulture rendition of "Food, Glorious Food" from "Oliver!" - along with the ominous warning: "Don't leave your children unattended. Unattended children will be eaten."

On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, "Ice Age: The Meltdown" is an endearing, educational 8. Don't expect Manny, Sid and Scrat to go extinct any time soon - another sequel is inevitable.