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Ice Age: Collision Course (2016)
Ice Age: Collision Course (2016)
2016 | Animation, Family
4
6.2 (13 Ratings)
Movie Rating
The fifth installment of the franchise hit Ice Age reunites us with Manny
the mammoth (Ray Romano) and his two best friends, Diego the Sabre-tooth
Tiger (Denis Leary) and Sid the Sloth (John Leguizamo). Over the course of
the first 4 films, the unlikely trio become the best of friends,
introduction of love interests for both Manny and Diego, and the birth of a
Manny’s little girl. In this chapter, Manny and Ellie’s daughter Peaches
(Keke Palmer) is engaged to Julian. Manny’s struggle to let go of his
little girl causes tension with his relationship with Julian (Adam Devine).

The unlikely herd is struck by a meteor shower, that was as usual caused by
Scrat the squirrel, that forces them underground back to to land of
Dinosaurs. The return of hyperactive weasel Buck (Simon Peg) is the
highlight of movie, with his unconventional tactics, outlandish anecdotes
and death defying acrobatics. Buck figures out a large asteroid is headed
towards Earth threatening to destroy the entire planet. The only way to
stop the asteroid from it’s extinction level destruction is to find a way
to divert the asteroid away from the planet using magnetic force. And, so
begins the adventure of the herd trying to find the town of Geotopia and
using its sacred gems to help create the magnetic field needed.

They are definitely trashing the laws of paleontology and geology with this
film. The far fetched plot line leaves little to be desired compared to
the story line of its predecessors. The audience is kept busy dealing with
boring family squabbles and Sid desperate to still find love. If it wasn’t
for the role of Buck, the adult audience would consider this movie to be a
complete flop. The younger generation will be scratching their heads
wondering if this scenario is even plausible. I know, my 8 year old kid
was questioning it! Nonetheless, there was enough slap stick comedy and
antics to keep kids entertained and parents chuckling.
  
Ice Age 2: The Meltdown (2006)
Ice Age 2: The Meltdown (2006)
2006 | Action, Animation, Comedy
10
6.5 (23 Ratings)
Movie Rating
It has been almost four years since audiences last embraced the animated misadventures of a pack of prehistoric animals in the runaway smash Ice Age.

As the calendar moves into spring the multiplexes throughout the land prepare to welcome the arrival of the early summer season films which like the warming of spring also indicates a warming at the box office as scores of moviegoers look forward to the latest releases which often contain a fair number of sequels.

In the new film, Ice Age 2: The Meltdown things are going well for the animals as they frolic the days away in a scenic glacier. Sid (John Leguizamo) has taken it upon himself to open a camp for younger animals much to the dismay of his friends Manny (Ray Romano), and Diego (Denis Leary).

Things take a turn for the worse when a rapidly warming environment threatens to melt the ice and flood the valley which results in a mass migration of the animals to a new locale where they will be safe from the flooding.

Along the way, Manny, Diego, and Sid encounter an odd trio of refugees, a family of possums. What makes this family different is that one of the possums named Ellie (Queen Latifah) is actually a Mammoth who thinks she is a possum after she was taken in at an early age by the two brothers Crash (Seann William Scott) and Eddie (Josh Peck).

Along the way this eclectic band of creatures must bond with one another as they face all manner of obstacles ranging from the elements to dangerous animals and the growing bond/tensions between Manny and Ellie who Manny fears may be the last two mammoths left.

Of course it would not be an Ice Age film without the misadventures of Scrat, the loveable squirrel from the first film who is still trying desperately to secure his beloved acorn and has all manner of misadventures as a result. As good as the other characters are the comedic interludes with Scrat are the funniest moments in the film which is saying something as there are many, many shining moments in the film.

The animation is first rate and is greatly improved from the first film as the animal’s now show greater texture and motion in their furs as well as a realistic weight transfer when they walk.

While this is not vital to the film, it does show a level of attention and detail that infuses the film with a vitality and flair not often shown in family entertainment that did not come from Disney.

Fox is at the top of their game, and “Ice Age: The Meltdown” is a further reminder that Disney no longer has a lock on animated family classics as this is a film that will delight viewers of all ages.
  
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (Ice Age 3) (2009)
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (Ice Age 3) (2009)
2009 | Action, Animation, Comedy
Scrat and the gang are back, and this time in stunning 3D in the new “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs”. The third chapter in the popular series once again follows the adventures of the unusual mix of friends, in their frozen home.

As the film opens, Manny (Ray Romano), is a nervous wreck as Ellie (Queen Latifah), is expecting their first child. Sid the sloth (John Leguizamo), is ecstatic over the pending arrival, while Diego the tiger, (Dennis Leary), believes he has lost his edge and is no longer needed in a family environment.

As Diego prepares to set off on his own, Sid falls through a crack in the ice and discovers three eggs which he believes have been abandoned.

Sid decides to adopt the eggs and soon they hatch with three T-Rex infants. Unaware of what they are, Sid is delighted at his new family and ignores Manny’s warnings up until a gigantic T-Rex arrives looking for her children and takes them and Sid into a hole in the ice.

Despite their misgivings, Diego, Ellie, and Manny venture under the ice to rescue Sid and discover an entire world of dinosaurs that have survived and thrived under the ice. Facing numerous new dangers and having no idea where to go, the group is befriended by a weasel named Buck (Simon Pegg), who helps them track their missing friend.

Along the way the group must contend with flesh eating plants, laughing gas, dangerous dinosaurs, and hostile terrain as they attempt to save their friend and return home.

While the plot is simple and some will no doubt question how dinosaurs and mammals would be around at the same time, the film is fun, and I enjoyed it more than the previous film in the series. The creators know this is a family film that is intended for children and do not waste time with an overly complicated plot and keep character developments to the bare essentials.

Instead, we get a lively and quirky tale about friendship and family, as well as some funny moments and great animation. The technicians behind the film have wisely allowed the characters to remain the focal point of the film, but cleverly included the new 3D techniques to allow the audience a sense of immersion into the film.

The cast works well with one another and seem to be having a good time playing characters that have no doubt become familiar to them. Once again Scrat steals every scene he is appears in as he attempts time and again to capture his beloved acorn. A new character named Scratte adds a new dimension to the character as she plays not only a romantic interest in the film but also a new obstacle in his never ending quest.

The film was paced well and never overstayed its welcome, and despite some jokes that were better suited to an older audience, the film delivered a perfect summer film for the family to enjoy.