I honestly never expected to write a #ConTENder post for an R-Rated, raunchy, animated foray into the Pixar-like “behind the curtain” film (a lá Toy Story), but here I am: Sausage Party is one of the funniest films of the year.

Now for those of you who aren’t fans of Seth Rogen (or his films), will undoubtedly disagree with this post. This movie won’t change your mind on co-writers Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s type of humor, and it’s not meant to.
Instead, this film is for the Venn diagram of folks who follow their works, and for those who love (or loved) the animated films of the past twenty years, namely Pixar’s filmography. For my inner circle, that diagram is almost that: a full circle.
Sausage Party has the heart, the creative vision, and the music (seriously, Alan Menken [Aladdin, The Little Mermaid] composed some music!) of the best children’s films of yesteryear, but in no way is remotely meant for children.
The film follows Frank; a sausage whose collective package (along with the corresponding package of buns) is hoping to leave their store, Shopwell, for the “Great Beyond” (a thinly-veiled allusion to heaven). In the supermarket, every piece of food assumes that he or she will be taken there eventually and that it’s a marvelous land of wonderment. But what they don’t know is that the “Gods” (us humans), will consume them whole once they reach the confines of the Gods’ respective homes.
The film has been in development for over eight years, more so if you count the original conception of the idea. Ever since Superbad, when asked what his next project was he would jokingly say “Sausage Party.” Soon after they realized how grim a Toy Story-like look at food would actually be, so they began to actively develop the insane idea.
Finally, Sony Pictures agreed to distribute the film, and here we are– 2016 has found its funniest film. And I’ve seen Deadpool and The Nice Guys. Will it be as funny when it comes down to the year’s end? Only time will tell.
But it’s humor isn’t all that it has going for it. Aside from the filthy humor, the film is actually quite clever in its execution and screenplay. There are a lot of small truths sprinkled throughout the film’s world-building, and they tie into the eventual payoff beautifully.
Sausage Party won’t win any awards, nor will it win your praise if you despise Rogen’s work, but in the end, it’s a film that speaks directly to my blue humor-loving ass, and you best believe that I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
That’s why I believe it may be one of my Top Ten Films of 2016.
-Jamie (@GuyOnAWire)
Keep up to date with which films may make my Top 10 of 2016 by clicking here.