As we hit the ice for the third time, mammoths Manny and Ellie are expecting their very own bundle of fur-covered joy. And this highly anticipated arrival has Manny on pins and needles as he tries to baby-proof nature—do you know how many pointy things there are in an ice-covered forest?

While he's focusing all his energy on those preparations and caring for his oh-so-pregnant mate, buddies Sid the sloth and Diego the saber-toothed tiger are having some troubles of their own. Diego is going through a midlife crisis of sorts and fears he should leave the herd if he doesn't want to lose his edge. And the rambunctiously goofy Sid is actually yearning for the responsibility of a family of his own.

Instead of finding a pretty little sloth to woo, though, Sid stumbles upon a trio of dinosaur eggs in a hidden cavern and becomes an instant "mommy" when they hatch. But Sid's maternal bliss is short-lived. The real mother dino discovers that the eggs are missing and stomps her way up from an underground lair to retrieve them. And wouldn't you know it, when Mommy T. rex snatches up the little ones, Sid gets mixed up in the mouthful, too.

So Manny and his crew have to put everything else aside and look for their pal in a subterranean prehistoric world. But who can help them make their way through this strange and dangerous land of the lost? There's only one creature up to that task: an eye-patch-wearing, swashbuckling, slightly bonkers weasel named—dum-da-dum—Buck!

:: Review
Today's animated feature films can take a number of different forms—from sweet to sappy, stirring to obnoxious. And even though they're generally aimed at family audiences, you can never be sure that inappropriate nonsense won't be tossed into the mix for the sake of a few more giggles. Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs has a bit of that flotsam floating in its stream of banter, and some fur gets matted with a touch of sap by the time we reach the conclusion. But as Manny might put it, there's plenty here to trumpet.

Alongside the franchise's list of well-knowns, this film crams in the swashbuckling, scene-stealing Buck, a trio of hyperactive T. rex babies, and their mother of all mothers. Amazingly, in spite of this over-packed cast, it somehow keeps us interested in the whole menagerie, makes all of their side stories involving and keeps the adventure rolling along.

Now, this sequel will never be called deep or thought-provoking. Dinosaur chases, lava eruptions and character-driven one-liners are the order of the day. But the rambunctious journey sometimes slows long enough to remind young minds of the importance and rewards of family, selflessness and teamwork.

Email (will not be published)

Name

Title

Comment
 remaining characters

Post