Computer animated films are large-scale projects for any studio to undertake. They cost so much money to produce that in order for them to become profitable they have to be huge hits. While there are blockbuster films like the Toy Story franchise there are also films like Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within that tank at the box office and cause major financial problems for the studio who foot the bill for the always ambitious CG tale. I can guarantee that it'll be a while before Colombia Pictures tries their hand in the CG arena after the dismal failure of the aforementioned Final Fantasy film. Fox is the latest studio to hope for the success of the Disney films with a more kid-oriented film than Final Fantasy. After the also dismal failure of Fox's own traditional animated film Titan A.E. Fox has gone the route of CG with Ice Age, a film about how a group animals during the Ice Age (Duh) travel cross country across rough terrain to return a lost human baby to its parents.
It seems that with Ice Age Fox has finally found the right way to make an animated film. Unlike past attempts, this film knows who its audience is (young children) and the script knows what will make them laugh. The jokes aren't likely to entertain adults and teens but almost assuredly will make young children to giggle often. The studio also managed to acquire the talents of top-notch actors for the voices of the different characters. From Ray Romano to Denis Leary all the talented actors perform their roles quite well. The superb computer animation accentuates the film also. The level of detail surpasses that of the Toy Story films and features the kind of bright and cheery colors that young kids seem to like. The film also boasts an always-welcome short running time. Kids films aren't supposed to be epics and thankfully this film doesn't try to be.
Overall, although Ice Age is clearly aimed at children, there's really nothing wrong with that. Children need films for themselves once in a while. It's better they watch a film like Ice Age than one like Jeepers Creepers. Ice Age is a solid effort from Fox with family friendly material that will be enjoyed by many children in the coming weeks.
Rating: 83
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