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Ice Age There is a big battle brewing in Hollywood between studios who want to claim the mantle of animation leader. With old-fashioned, 2-dimensional, hand drawn animation losing favor, DreamWorks, Disney and, now, Fox are fighting for their shares of the new pie. While the other two scored big hits last year, Fox has targeted 2002 as its year to enter the fray, and Ice Age is a good start. Ice Age is set in pre-historic times and most animals are heading south as the winter rolls in. Left behind are Sid the Sloth (John Leguizamo) - an annoying creature who is abandoned by his herd, and Manfred the Woolly Mammoth (Ray Romano) - a crusty character who chooses to be alone and looks forward to the impending peace and quiet. The two decide to join forces and return a lost baby to his caveman clan after the mother is attacked by predators and cannot return the baby to his father. However, they can't do it alone. Manfred convinces Diego the Sabertoothed Tiger (Dennis Leary) to help track the humans. What they don't know is that Diego has his own dastardly plan. Will they return the baby to his father? What is Diego's evil plan? I knew Ice Age was a comedy, but I was pleasantly surprised with its sensitivity and dramatic moments. The film is full of moving scenes such as why Manfred is alone, the bonding of the different characters, the way Manfred and Sid find the baby and many more. Thanks to these critical scenes, Ice Age elevates itself from simple kids' comedy to fantastic family movie with something for adults and kids of all ages. While Sid's misadventures and slapstick comedy is obviously there for the young ones, the rest of the movie is for us older folks. Also, like Monsters Inc, Ice Age does a good job of avoiding smarminess and too much attitude. Those who are looking for a kids' flick should be aware that the film is full of very intense and scary moments that might not be appropriate for all. There are plenty of death defying scenes and moments when characters face great peril. What makes it scarier for the kids is that the voice talent makes each character very likable and realistic, so they will form an emotional attachment. Ray Romano is great as the serious, yet, wisecracking wooly mammoth. He never quite warms up the character into a lovable, cuddly creature, but he comes off as the likable Uncle who shows love in his own unique way. Leguizamo delivers his comic relief with flair, and Leary finds a nice balance between schemer and trusted member of the gang. Ice Age is very good film with plenty of heart, lots of comedy and great visuals. The look is one of the most realistic animations I have ever seen and the animators get plenty of chances to show off their immense skill. Grade: A Copyright 2002 - WaffleMovies.com |
