Although there have been many R-rated animated films before, Seth Rogen wanted to create the very first R-rated CG-animated film and he’s been trying to get it made for the past eight years now. After many years, is Sausage Party worth the wait?
Well, it depends on your taste in Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s brand of vulgar humor. Sausage Party will offend and infuriate but if you’re able to get past that then buckle up because non-stop profanity is heading your way.
Sausage Party follows an anthropomorphic hot dog named Frank whose sole dream to be chosen by the gods (humans) and taken to the “Great Beyond.” Soon enough, he learns the horrible truth about what happens to food when taken to the “Great Beyond.” It’s up to Frank and the rest of his food pals to warn the inhabitants of Shopwell’s of their terrifying future.
It’s clear from the opening scene where the film’s inspiration comes from. Sausage Party plays like a warped version of a Disney animated film, right down to music from legendary Disney composer Alan Menken (Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast). Sausage Party may be a raunchy and disturbing animated comedy but surprisingly there’s much more to the film than its low-brow comedy. The film satirizes and comments on everything from Middle Eastern politics to religious dogma. It’s completely unafraid to insult anyone and everyone and that’s where much of its twisted charm comes into play. However, while this may play as charming for some, it will certainly infuriate sensitive viewers.
That’s because the profane and juvenile jokes that we’ve come to associate with Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg is recreated here, but this time in animated form. Surprisingly, the explicit innuendos, puns, stereotypical racial jokes, and shock comedy never actually grows old, and there are certain antics that you never thought you would see in an animated film. It’s that juxtaposition that makes it weirdly delightful. There are some eye-rolling instances where the vulgarity is just there for vulgarity’s sake. Sure you may get a pity laugh, but it fails in comparison to other, better jokes.
It’s the stellar voice cast that brings the heart and entertainment to the film. Nick Kroll (FX’s “The League”) is the scene stealer as the Jersey Shore-inspired Douche, who is literally a douche. This type of role could’ve gone really bad, but Kroll revels in his ‘roided-up douchebag role and never hams it up. Just as endearing is Michael Cera as Barry, the runty hot dog. Michael Cera is essentially playing Michael Cera here, but his particular storyline is where most of the film’s heart comes from. That’s why Michael Cera is so effective in the role. Although Seth Rogen successfully carries most of the film, Kristen Wiig, Edward Norton, David Krumholtz, and Salma Hayak all bask in the insane world that they’ve been brought into.
The animation, however, looks cut-rate compared to some of the other successful animation houses out there. The food characters don’t seem to fit the warmth and good nature of the actors who voice them. Except for Michael Cera, the characters feel a bit more distanced even when the jokes are being popped every which way. Directors Greg Tiernan and Conrad Vernon makes due with what they’re working with and creates a bright and “family-friendly” world that Rogen and Goldberg’s characters operate in.
Overall, Sausage Party isn’t for everyone. If you’re not used to Seth Rogen’s brand of humor then this film won’t change your mind, even in animated form. Those, like myself, who enjoy his brand of humor Sausage Party is a deceptively enjoyable blend of smart, dumb and funny. The comedic voice talent seems to be having the time of their lives, and frankly, I did too.
Rating: 3.5/5 atoms
from Nerd Reactor
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