The sixth and final animated film in the “Ice Age” saga – ICE AGE: COLLISION COURSE – opened Friday and, considering the limited amount of family films currently in theaters, will probably do extremely well at the box office this weekend. But is it worth the price of theater admission and snacks for the family, or is it one to wait for home video? Simple answers: 1) if you’re an adult fan of the franchise that’s a yes, but you might not be mad if you caught it on video; and 2) if you’re a kid it’s a yes, but I believe that’s conditional.
And why conditional you ask? Well, MMT junior contributor Jayla was unavailable last Saturday to screen, but my two adorable nieces Alaya (7 yrs) and Aminah (2 yrs) filled in. The two-year-old fell asleep about 30 minutes into the movie – was a bit too weighty and scientific for her, even with the gags – but the seven-year-old was excited and engaged the entire time.
In this third film, the Ice Age crew find themselves facing extinction – thanks in part to a cosmic mistake by Scrat and his perpetual pursuit of the coveted acorn. To save themselves and their home, Sid, Manny, Diego, and the crew journey on an adventurous quest that takes them to strange lands and encounters with new characters.
With a remarkable voice-over cast – that includes Ray Romano, Queen Latifah, Wanda Sykes, Keke Palmer, Dennis Leary, Jennifer Lopez, Adam Devine, Jessie J and John Leguizamo – I found the movie both comical and entertaining. But with an 1:40 running time, I also felt it was a bit extended when the gags/laughs weren’t quite hitting the mark.
I must admit, I am new to the “Ice Age” series, but was able to follow the story and didn’t feel left out by not being familiar with the characters. I did, as mentioned, find it a bit long – and to give full disclosure, the “Ice Age” theme just isn’t my cup of tea, so take what you will from my report.
All in all, ICE AGE: COLLISION COURSE is a positive, family friendly alternative to what is sure to be a “Star Trek” high grossing weekend. Let me know what you think if you get a chance to check it out. I would love to know, especially if you were one of the MMT winners at last week’s screening!
Until next thought family, Thomasena
PS – I love this ad with Scrat doing the Running Man (new school version)!
Music Movies Thoughts 
I have been waiting for your review on this movie and you nailed exactly how I felt about it. It was too advanced for some while the older children were very engaged in it.
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Yeah, my youngest niece nodded out like, “wake me when we’re heading to lunch!” 🙂 Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
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Yes, I was one of your lucky winners to go to the screening last Saturday. I took my husband & grandson, he was fully engaged & laughed the entire movie! I agree, it was a bit too long, but a good family movie!
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Glad you enjoyed Earlene!
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Yes! Finally another reviewer who praises the science in this movie — it’s silly but not stupid. I was impressed by that as well as the gorgeous animation (this movie looks amazing and is also well directed). Then again, I absolutely adore Scrat and his physical humor. Great review, totally agree with most of your points. I think this movie is getting a really bad rap from audiences and critics alike. It’s not as terrible as the reviews suggest.
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I agree screenzealots, it’s not a terrible film. And the animation is really great.
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