Term Paper Outline: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

        I.            Introduction

     a)      Animated Feature Film: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

     b)      Thesis: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is set in a world that understands a different science than our own, and Sony further manipulates the laws of physics in order to use it as a storytelling element within the film.

      II.            Molecule Manipulation

     a)      FLDSMDFR converts water molecules into food

     b)      It is impossible to create solid, prepared food (ex. Hamburgers, spaghetti, hot dogs, etc.) by rearranging water molecules

     c)       Water molecules contain hydrogen and oxygen – many more elements needed for food. Can’t create these elements by rearranging molecules.

    III.            Falling

     a)      Objects are constantly falling from the sky, hitting things but rarely causing any harm or damage

     b)      In the beginning, the giant fishbowl falls from the sky and the glass doesn’t break until touched by Flint. Physics manipulated here for comedic effect.

     c)       Throughout the film, food is falling from the sky and rarely injures anyone or breaks anything despite being a solid object falling such a far distance.

     d)      In the “Roofless” restaurant, falling food shatters wine glasses but doesn’t damage plates, tables, or people – giant falling steaks would likely injure someone.

    IV.            Gravity

     a)      Inside the Jello house, Flint and Sam bounce all around with little regard to gravity, are able to stand on upper “floors” or Jello without breaking it/falling through

     b)      Flint is able to maneuver through the air during the tornado scene, avoiding objects in his way

     c)       The FLDSMDFR remains suspended in the sky throughout the film, when in reality it would be pulled back to Earth due to gravity

      V.            Inconsistencies

     a)      Some falling objects are destructive while others do nothing – food becomes more dangerous as things begin to go wrong in the story

     b)      Gravity doesn’t have a universal effect – FLDSMDFR is able to float in the air and characters occasionally move as if there was no gravity, while others are affected normally.

    VI.            Conclusion

           a)      When the story is as fantastical as Cloudy, the manipulated physics do not distract the viewer from the story being told; rather, it enhances the story by allowing the audience to be transported to a world where events such as giant raining foods are both plausible and enjoyable.