Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
2009 · Directed by Carlos Saldanha
Original language: English
- animation
- comedy
- family
- adventure
The story
Times are changing for Manny the moody mammoth, Sid the motor mouthed sloth and Diego the crafty saber-toothed tiger. Life heats up for our heroes when they meet some new and none-too-friendly neighbors – the mighty dinosaurs.
What it’s like
Bright, saturated CGI animation with soft-edged fur and sun-warmed greens, the frozen blues and greys of the ice giving way to dense, steamy jungle with volcanic oranges glowing through the canopy. The camera moves briskly through big action set pieces and quieter moments of bickering between old companions, with expressive, rubbery slapstick timing that keeps the energy up. The sound is bouncy and orchestral, punctuated by goofy sound effects and roaring dinosaurs. The vibe is loud, warm and playful, a good fit for a family movie night, a lazy weekend afternoon, or a comfort rewatch while doing something else. Its pacing is quick and episodic, its emotional arc a gentle story of a grumpy loner learning to accept a new kind of family and of a group of friends sorting out their differences. Intensity is mild: cartoon peril, slapstick falls and brief scuffles with scary-looking dinosaurs, but no gore and nothing truly cruel. It is made for young children and the adults who watch alongside them, and for anyone who wants gentle, silly adventure with a bit of heart.
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