Voices over and out

Rating: Null/10 (18 March 2002)

We're given an odd "herd" including a contrarian wooly mammoth (Manny), a bug-eyed sloth (Sid) and a saber-tooth tiger (Diego) on a mission each with their own goal who come together for a higher ideal. What an inspiring tale that tugs atÂ…wait, haven't we heard this one before?
No doubt you've seen the previewed scrawny squirrel on a mission to bury his nut. Even though he's the best of all, there is good reason to see 'Ice Age.' The 3D effects are impressive, the animation is stunning and there's more than a few chuckles.
The story though is derivative. Haven't we seen the Shrek trio on a journey of deliverance? Or there's the "Monster's Inc.'s "pair returning their intruder to her bedroom. And didn't Lion King do this variation too. Can't we make an effort of originality in screenplay and scoring or did we blow the budget on cinematography.
We all know that animals have more depth than humans...at least those who penned this story. And there are some interesting characters. Watch for the macho pair of rhinos who won't let go of a taunting Sid, the band of tigers who need to capture a human child against all odds and a ready pair of mates for Sid who choose sensitivity over all else.
Let's hope 'Ice Age' marks the passing of a worn-out plot line. We have witnessed the evolution of computer-driven animation, but lets choose substance over dazzle.