Consider this movie a version of Toy Story, but for adults only. And when I say, 'for adults only,' I sincerely mean that. The comparisons lay with inanimate objects given human emotions and looking to become selected by human beings. Instead of toys, we are given all of the different items that populate a grocery store. They want to be chosen by shoppers to go to the great beyond where they will live the best of lives. Essentially, they believe that leaving the store is like entering into heaven.
What they don't know, and what they are told from a returned bottle of Honey Mustard (Danny McBride) is that life outside of the grocery store is a horrid one where the humans mean to murder and consume the food. There is little attention paid to him by the others, as his story seems ridiculous and crazy. Only Frank, a hotdog played by Seth Rogan, listens to him and begins questioning everything that they believe, setting out on a journey to find the truth.
There is a lot in this film that could be seen as a criticism of religion, as well as having a political statement. The food's nationalities parody stereotypes and hyperbole. I didn't see it as a method of debunking religious beliefs, but more of adding layers to proper anthropomorphize the delicious food products as well as creating a society full of subculture in which they live.
Leading the charge of high calibre talent in this film (including Kristen Wiig, Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, and Edward Norton) is Rogen who also was one of the scribes for the script. I have said for a while that he is not just a comedian, but an actual acting talent. He shows it off here, as it is not just the jokes and gags where he shines, but in the delivery of every line. It is the kind of performance, as well as his role in Jobs, that make me want to see more of him in varying types of roles.
The direction of Sausage Party is handled expertly by Greg Tiernan and Conrad Vernon. They do well to keep the movie flowing along at a good pace. They also have delightful fun with playing with pop culture references and moments from other films. This goes a long way to adding a flavour (horrible pun intended) that is unique to this film. That sort of thing stands out in a summer where a lot of what has been offered on the mainstream level feels generic and as though we have already seen it before.
As mentioned, this is a film that is really for adults. Don't sneak your kids in to see this movie. It is irreverent and is not shy on throwing the cussin' about. As well, there is a full on pleasure orgy that happens when the food is liberated. Could it be a commentary about hedonism? Possibly, but more likely it happened because Rogen and company thought that the images of food copulating in various ways would be hilarious.
If you have a problem with seeing a donut having sex with a wrap, you will not want to see this film. If you have issues with the ideas of religion being played with, it is best to stay home. If you are willing to view this picture as merely a microcosm of humanity in the grocery aisles, both the good and the bad, you may very well enjoy it. A lot of the jokes landed firmly, and it was a lot of fun to watch.
Rating - 3 out of 4 stars.
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