Ice Age: Collision Course – Film Review by Emily Elphinstone

Directors: Mike Thurmeier, Galen T. Chu
Writers: Michael Berg, Yoni Brenner (screenplay)
Stars: Melissa Rauch, Adam Devine, Jennifer Lopez

Since the first Ice Age film back in 2002, sabre-toothed squirrel Scrat has been inadvertently destroying, and creating, the universe as we know it; in his attempts to secure an ever elusive acorn. In Ice Age: Collision Course this is no different; as he launches himself into space in a flying saucer, and ends up knocking the solar system into place like a planetary game of boules. This provides some of the most entertaining moments of the film; allowing a bit of breathing space from the over complicated plot back on earth.

At its heart, Ice Age: Collision Course addresses the impending end of the world, as a gigantic meteor hurtles toward earth. But appealing to short attention spans, we also have subplots of Sid the Sloth (John Leguizamo) and his quest for love, Manny the Mammoth (Ray Romano)’s struggle to face up to his daughter’s impending marriage to Julian (Adam Devine), and Simon Pegg’s adventurous weasel Buck’s escape from the bloodthirsty dino-birds. Along with a variety of comic sidekicks commenting on the action, this creates a thoroughly jumbled story, only redeemed by the fact that though tiring to watch, these characters are pleasingly recognisable and loveable personalities.

Scrat’s escapade into space also provides some brilliant opportunities for the animation team. With a fresh range of colour available, the Shangri-Llama’s jewel filled paradise of Geotopia, the wonderfully tactile electrical storms, and space itself provide welcome contrast to an otherwise ice and forest filled world. This is also a film that makes the most of 3D; both for the dramatic moments of hurtling rock, and the smaller details of light and texture; making it a joy to experience, though the overall impact of the film is less memorable.

Ultimately, as its place in a larger franchise would suggest; Ice Age: Collision Course is an entertaining, but disposable family film. There is plenty to keep the little ones engaged, with enough contemporary references and sly nods for the adults; but in the long run there is little to make it stand out from the crowd, or to provide a longer shelf life than its predecessors.