Movie Review - Ice Age: Collision Course

Ice Age: Collision Course **½ (out of 5) (PG) The animated animals of yore are back for the umpteenth time (counting full-length films, shorts and video games) with yet another prehistoric adventure. All the vocal regulars (Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo, Wanda Sykes, Queen Latifah et. al.), with a few new players - at least one of whom will be a delightful, surprise, if no one spills the beans before you go. Skrat, the manic acorn-chasing squirrel from the opening shorts in the previous films, gets a deservedly extended arc into the feature, including a seminal role in this version of our planetary history.

Apocalyptic meteors are heading towards Earth, pushing all into a desperate plan for diverting the life-ending rock before it hits. The science behind the scheme may not be on any school’s curriculum, but it drives the story adequately for a spoof of Independence Day and a handful of other familiar sci-fi fare. The dialog includes a sprinkling of clever lines to amuse the adults in the house. The colorful characters and settings - especially if viewed on a 3-D screen - will keep the youngsters engaged, and possibly asking Santa for some of the spinoff merchandise.

As one expects from sequels, there’s a bit of quality drop from before. It seemed longer than its 94 minutes despite the high points. Stick around for the credits; more laughs are scattered amongst the scrolling names. (7/22/16)