This movie is a cash grab, of that there is little doubt. Blue Sky Studios knows that they have a recognizable franchise, and in and effort to build off of a base that is accustomed to familiar characters, they have produced the weakest Ice Age film yet.
The plot, while involving a litany of details and characters is quite simple. A meteor is plummeting towards earth and the characters must find a way to divert its trajectory. There is just enough for fans of the series to enjoy. Sid will still invoke a laugh because of his haplessness, there are some comical slapstick scenes, a good one- liner or two, and Scrat's insanity is energetic and comical. Furthermore, the reintroduction of Simon Pegg's un- hinged, yet hilarious, Buck is fun (the Dawn of the Dinosaurs was the second best Ice Age in my opinion).
However, the plot, involving another trek, and the messages, while positive, are lacking the same heart and character of the past. The dichotomy between the original and this film is staggering. The animation is great, but the amount of characters this franchise now has, the array of plot devices, and the extremes that drive the narrative have weakened it to the point that this must be the last movie or else all self-respect for this franchise is utterly gone.
Kids will love it, older kids and even adults that have enjoyed the adventures of these characters will find some scenes that are reminiscent of earlier movies. Yet, this film is mediocre at best and if someone never cared for Ice Age this movie will by no means make their opinion change.
The plot, while involving a litany of details and characters is quite simple. A meteor is plummeting towards earth and the characters must find a way to divert its trajectory. There is just enough for fans of the series to enjoy. Sid will still invoke a laugh because of his haplessness, there are some comical slapstick scenes, a good one- liner or two, and Scrat's insanity is energetic and comical. Furthermore, the reintroduction of Simon Pegg's un- hinged, yet hilarious, Buck is fun (the Dawn of the Dinosaurs was the second best Ice Age in my opinion).
However, the plot, involving another trek, and the messages, while positive, are lacking the same heart and character of the past. The dichotomy between the original and this film is staggering. The animation is great, but the amount of characters this franchise now has, the array of plot devices, and the extremes that drive the narrative have weakened it to the point that this must be the last movie or else all self-respect for this franchise is utterly gone.
Kids will love it, older kids and even adults that have enjoyed the adventures of these characters will find some scenes that are reminiscent of earlier movies. Yet, this film is mediocre at best and if someone never cared for Ice Age this movie will by no means make their opinion change.