Frank (Seth Rogen) has been desperate to leave Shopwell’s Store for years and start his new life. Himself, Brenda the hot dog bun (Kristen Wiig) and the rest of his sausage friends have all been led to believe that something greater awaits them once they enter what they call ‘the great beyond’. One day Frank, Brenda and their friends get picked up and thrown into the trolley and get ready for the start of the rest of their lives but crisis strikes and Frank and Brenda get separated from his friends and left stranded in the supermarket. Desperate to try again Frank travels from one end of the store to the other to try and make it back to his shelf. Along the way he learns more about the true nature of his existence and what lies in the outside world and it’s much darker than he expected. It’s up to him to warn the rest of the foods and condiments before it’s too late!
The plot may sound PG but it most certainly isn’t for children. Directors Craig Tiernan and Conrad Vernon have created a hilarious, bonkers and at times downright inappropriate comedy that entertains on all levels. The animation is spot on and the vibrant colours and textures all juxtapose the darker nature of the story as it unfolds. Rogen, Franco, Hill, Rudd, Hader, Wiig, Cera and a whole host of other actors longer than my arm all provide great charismatic voices for the wide variety of food items (some of which you may have forgotten even existed!) They make us sympathise with these products to the point where we’re dreading them to leave once we realise what’s in store for them.
The film could have reached its potential even more if it had focused more on life outside the store as it would have put the characters in different situations but it’s still highly entertaining as Frank makes his way across from one end to the other and comes across loads of different characters along the way. The story is simple but hits all the comedic notes and thrills you throughout until you reach a hysterical final sequence that goes above and beyond even for these guys! You know when you’re shaking so much you can’t stop laughing? That’ll most likely be you at the end and trust me those images will stay with you long after the credits roll…